Mark Sanchez stresses that he is happy. The quarterback is trying to rebuild his career after a roller coaster stint with the New York Jets. Now signed as a backup to the Philadelphia Eagles, Sanchez is getting healthy and improving away from the media spotlight that used to burn a hole in him. However, a season-ending injury to Sam Bradford has every head turning towards Sanchez.
The quarterback is denying that he wants out of Philadelphia in favor of a starting role. When it was reported Bradford was lost for the season following a re-injured ACL, Sanchez immediately became the favorite to replace him. The quarterback's status was not helped by the fact that just a week ago, head coach Chip Kelly noted he would certainly listen to trade offers regarding Sanchez before the season starts. Right now, the Eagles are comfortable with Nick Foles starting and Matt Barkley taking over the backup role, not because Sanchez is not good, but because his stock could be high for something good in return. However, Sanchez denies he is moving on.
"I think they would say something or my agent would say something," Sanchez said, via CSNPhilly.com. "If those people aren't talking to me about it, I seriously doubt it's happening."
Rams coach Jeff Fisher is echoing the words of Sanchez. He is stressing to the media that the team is not looking to make a trade at this point in training camp. Instead, veteran Shaun Hill will be promoted to starter and the Rams will simply hope that works out.
St. Louis might not be the only team looking at Sanchez though. The Buffalo Bills are not appearing thrilled with their quarterback situation despite voicing their support behind EJ Manuel. They released Thad Lewis this week and are looking to replace him with someone better. Sanchez has not shot at getting the starting spot in Philadelphia, but might earn it in Buffalo.
A return rate on Sanchez is really unknown. He has starting experience and playoff wins to his resume, but his stock took a deep fall in his last two seasons with the Jets. He also suffered a season-ending shoulder injury to his throwing arm last year. At most, the Eagles might get a late-round draft pick, but that is likely about it.
