Veteran quarterbacks are getting swept up left in right as teams in need of a passer prepare for the NFL Draft. The market was strong this offseason with talent that could be a backup for a rookie starter or step in an play if needed. Josh McCown and Matt Cassel were the first to get signed. Matt Schaub appears to be next as the Houston Texans and Oakland Raiders finalize a trade for the veteran. Michael Vick could follow this weekend. So, where does that leave Mark Sanchez?
The New York Jets are bringing in Michael Vick for a visit. If all goes according to plan, Vick will sign a contract this weekend and Sanchez will be released before the team owes him a $2 million roster bonus. Sanchez's fate with the team was sealed when Geno Smith was drafted in the second round last year. New York was slowly preparing to move on from the quarterback and season-ending shoulder injury only helped the effort. With the Raiders winning the Schaub trade sweepstakes, where does that leave Sanchez to land once a free agent?
The Cleveland Browns are the first option for the quarterback. The Browns were the first to inquire about the availability of Schaub. The team currently has Brian Hoyer on the roster after releasing both Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell earlier in the offseason. The Browns need quarterbacks. The team is expected to sign Rex Grozzman, but that is not enough. Getting Sanchez could be a huge upgrade whether the team drafts another rookie or not.
Outside of the Browns, Sanchez could be left as a competing backup with most teams having their quarterback situation under control. The Tennessee Titans could be an option. Jake Locker is still recovering from offseason Lisfranc surgery and is still on crutches. Getting Sanchez in gives the Titans an immediate starter if they need one. He could give Locker a run for his money at the starting spot.
The Jacksonville Jaguars could make a run at Sanchez. The team traded away Blaine Gabbert while re-signing Chad Henne. They are set up to draft another rookie, but Sanchez could be the better option for a rebuilding team. They could sign the quarterback for cheap if need be.
Sanchez will sign quickly. The quarterback is still viewed as a starter despite his struggles with the Jets. When Sanchez signs, expect the draft boards to get modified once again.
