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Four years ago, New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez was viewed as the team’s future. Now it is clear that plans have changed. The Jets, of course, selected Geno Smith out of West Virginia with the 49th overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft. This move may have changed the entire outlook of New York’s depth chart.
Various reports state that the Jets are considering a release of Sanchez. If this takes place, it would be a surprise because of the finical repercussions. As many are aware of, New York owes him a guaranteed $8.25 million this coming season. Cutting Sanchez would create a $17.1 million cap hit over for 2013. There is a way to make this impact slightly less painful. ESPN reports a release designated as a June 1 cut, a move that can be made at any point which would allow New York to take a $12.35 million hit this year and $4.85 million for the 2014 season.
Either way, the Jets lose a lot of money. However, parting ways is best for all involved. Sanchez serves as the poster child of their recent failures. Fans simply do not want to see him take the field in a Jets jersey ever again. He also deserves an opportunity to have a fresh start somewhere else. Supposedly, New York still plans to conduct an open-quarterback competition.
Current candidates technically include Tim Tebow and Sanchez. Greg McElroy and Matt Simms are also on the roster. Of course, Smith will play a major role, while David Garrard may be used as a mentor. It has long been speculated that Tebow would be the odd man out. Now, Sanchez may be joining him on the unemployment line. The Jets have denied that they are looking to make this move however; this is not exactly an organization known for telling the truth.
