The Continuing Saga of the Mark Sanchez and New York Jets Story

Aug 17, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback

warms up before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John O

Note: Most of the fan base is not going to be a fan of this theory that I am going to pose.

So, the story that we all thought was going to be over, still goes on.

Mark Sanchez is still on the Jets’ roster. Earlier this week, was my erroneous report from a fake Twitter account that Mark was about to be released. Then, there was the report last night from the Raiders’ ESPN beat reporter that the team is ready to bring Mark when/if the Jets’ release him.

As true as that report seems to be, and as much as the fan base wants him out, Mark Sanchez is still here.  Could he still be released prior to being paid his bonus, due on March 25th?  Sure.  But, where are the other QB visits?  We aren’t hearing about many.

Has anyone considered the possibility that there is a reason Mark is still on the roster?  That reason?  That he is staying on the roster, and IS the veteran quarterback that the Jets are bringing into camp?

Before I go on, note that this is pure speculation on my part.  I have no inside knowledge on this, just looking at the circumstantial evidence that we have.

First, and most obvious again, he is still here.  I understand that if they are trying to save money, the Jets don’t HAVE  to release him until March 24th, with his roster bonus due to be awarded March 25th.  But, why wait?  If they want to get rid of him, wouldn’t it be the best for both sides to do it now?  The Jets open up the roster spot, and the cap room.  Mark Sanchez gets to shop his services around to the Raiders and all other teams.  What benefit is it to keep him around?

Why keep him around if they are going to replace him?  Think about it, you are Michael Vick, or Shaun Hill, or any other veteran quarterback.  You are being asked to come in and compete with Geno Smith.  But, Mark Sanchez is still on the roster.  You don’t know for sure that Mark will be cut, nothing is a guarantee until it happens.  Would you sign on for a three-way competition?  Probably not.

Keeping Mark Sanchez here is likely preventing them from signing another quarterback.  The Jets obviously would not want to do that…..unless Mark Sanchez is exactly who they WANT to keep around.

Aug 24, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) calls plays against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter of a preseason game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The argument can also be made, fairly, that Mark Sanchez would be the best option to back up Geno Smith.

Think about the criteria. They need to be familiar with the offense, which Mark Sanchez is. It doesn’t hurt to have a guy that has been on the team, which Mark has done for the past five seasons. Being able to play in New York is also a positive. Whether most of the fan base is willing to admit it or not, Mark Sanchez has had success here. Until those other guys do it, we don’t know if they can play in NY. Mark can, and he has.

Mark Sanchez will also be a supportive backup quarterback as well. Michael Vick has already talked about being a starter in week one. The report was that the talks with the Jets broke off because they wouldn’t guarantee him the starting job. Sometimes, the best commodity is the known commodity, and they know Mark will be supportive. That is the one thing everyone has said.

Now let’s talk about the “money” issue.

So far, the Jets seems to be doing just fine with Mark still on the roster. With Mark here, and the moves that have already been made, the Jets are still over $30 million below the salary cap. Maybe that is enough. Of course, they would have more money available if they release Mark Sanchez. But maybe, Idzik feels in a good place, and doesn’t need that money.

We know this would not be the first time that John Idzik saw a high-priced quarterback sit on the bench. He was in Seattle when they signed Matt Flynn to a huge contract, and then watched him sit on the bench in favor of Russell Wilson. The best guy plays when Idzik is around, regardless of the salary.

Again, this is just speculation. Purely circumstantial evidence has brought me to the theory. But, that is a lot of evidence.

Maybe, just maybe, Mark Sanchez has not been released for a reason, that he isn’t GOING to be released.

Look back at the content of this post, it’s impossible to say “no-way”.