Much of the talk surrounding the New York Jets is the potential and maybe inevitable release of Mark Sanchez. The quarterback is a large salary cap and after missing a full season to a shoulder injury, the Jets have appeared less committed to his future than ever. While the team is certainly scoping out the free agent market of quarterbacks, could Sanchez actually be back with the Gang Green in 2014?
The Jets are looking for insurance behind 2013 starter Geno Smith. General manager John Idzik is not committed to the upcoming second-year pro as the future of the team and is in the market for a veteran to back him up and develop the young star. While many assumed that veteran would not be Sanchez, Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com argues otherwise.
Florio reports that team sources say it is too early to make a call on Sanchez's future. The team has not cut him yet because they are still heavily considering keeping him through his contract. Sanchez is set to make $9 million this coming season with a $2 million roster bonus due later in March. If the Jets are going to keep Sanchez, Florio reports that he will be asked to take a pay cut to reduce his $13 million cap hit. New York likely is not interested in making Sanchez the starter again and will not pay him like one either.
The Jets have expressed interest in both Michael Vick and Josh McCown. The two free agent quarterbacks are getting plenty of attention on the market and could be picked up quickly. The Jets would like to be active in a bidding war for either one, but need a backup plan in case they sign elsewhere.
McCown is considering a return to the Chicago Bears in 2014 where he played the past few seasons as Jay Cutler's backup. Several teams are viewing him as a potential stop-gap quarterback to help them develop a younger player. Vick is being viewed as the same thing despite his request to still be a starter in the NFL. The Jets seem like a strong fit for Vick considering he could beat out Smith for the job, but if New York retains Sanchez then he is out of the picture.
Rex Ryan is once again coaching for his job in 2014. The quarterback decision will be crucial in determining his future. If Sanchez is still on the roster come March 25 when his roster bonus is due, he will be in uniform come Week 1 of the new season.