After a long five year commitment, the Jets have announced that they have cut QB Mark Sanchez and have signed QB Michael Vick to fill open QB spot.
It was reported all along that the Jets were going to cut Sanchez for a few reasons. To free up cap space and the team just wanted to move on from him. Sanchez was due a $2M roster bonus on Tuesday and with this cut, the team saved up about $8M in cap space.
Head coach, Rex Ryan stated on ESPN radio earlier today that there is a possibility that Sanchez would stay, Rex of course, hinted the response.
“That could happen, there’s no doubt. Rex said on ESPN Radio. Mark is still on this football team right now so it’s still a possibility.”
After the release, Rex said that he wishes Sanchez all of the best and appreciates the wellness that he has done for him and the team.
“I would like to thank Mark for everything he’s done for this team and me personally,” Rex Ryan said via Jets team website. “We were rookies together and had some early success, becoming the first rookie head coach and quarterback to go to back-to-back championship games. We experienced a lot together and I really appreciate Mark. He’s a great player, a great teammate, and I wish him nothing but the best.”
Mark Sanchez is known for his past-post season success. He led the New York Jets to two back to back AFC championship games during his first two seasons as a Jet. (2009 & 2010) Sanchez ended his time with the Jets with a 4-2 playoff record.
Per source, Sanchez is probably the most top QB in the free agent market as of now. There are few teams that are considering signing Sanchez like the Cleveland Browns for an example.
At one of the Senior Bowl practices months ago, a head coach told a reporter that Sanchez would immediately start for him.
“We would take Sanchez.” A head coach told a reporter at Senior Day. “He would immediately be the starter for us.”
Sanchez lost his starting job this season after being placed on IR with a torn librium in his left shoulder. It happened during the third preseason game against the New York Giants.
As a starter for the Jets, Mark Sanchez was 33-29, had 12,092 passing yards, 68 touchdowns and 69 interceptions.
With the Sanchez releasing out of the way, the Jets quickly signed former Eagles QB Michael Vick.
Per multiple sources, the Jets signed Vick to a 1yr $5M deal.
Vick was an immediate target for New York all along and with this signing, it gives him a chance to aid a young Geno Smith.
“It means a lot to have the chance to come in and play for a great organization that had a lot of success last year and being on the brink of doing some good things,” Vick said on the team’s website. “Maybe I can come here and be an asset whenever my number’s called. I’m excited, I’m elated, and I feel like this is a great opportunity for me and my family.”
Vick also reunites with OC Marty Morhinweg (OC for the Jets) who was his offensive coordinator back in Philadelphia.
“He is here in a role where he is going to compete and push Geno Smith to become the very best that he can be,” Mornhinweg said in a press release. “Michael will be able to go in and play at a high level and a winning level if called upon.”
With Vick being signed on the team, it will test QB Geno’s Smith mental toughness which is needed to succeed in the NFL.