Mark Sanchez's future in New York is looking pretty grim these days. On notice ever since the infamous butt fumble, Sanchez's fall from grace with the Jets has been happening since 2011 when he put up 26 turnovers. Things only got worse for there. The Jets only made things stickier when they drafted quarterback Geno Smith in the second round back in April. Now suffering from a shoulder injury on his throwing arm, Sanchez could see his season and his future cut short.
USATodaySports reports that people close to Sanchez note the quarterback fears the "organization has turned its back on him and is prepared to move on. It is ready to start fresh with Geno." Sanchez is concerned that the Jets will place him on injured reserve, making the break clean and easy for the team. Those close to Sanchez report his shoulder is progressing, making it too early to decide if IR is the best move or not.
Head coach Rex Ryan acted disappointed over the fact that Sanchez was not healthy, even though he is partially to blame. Sanchez suffered the injury during the preseason game against the Giants after being left in the game in the fourth quarter, a time when most potential starters are taken out. If placed on IR, Sanchez would be lost for the season. The earliest he could return with the proper designation is Week 8. As a result, the Jets signed Brady Quinn and kept Matt Simms on the roster, giving the team depth at the position.
Ryan hinted that Sanchez could be lost for the year, saying, "If Mark is healthy, then, yes. I would say he'll be part of this team." Injured reserve is not a thought yet, but certainly not ruled out. Many believe the injury is more severe than being reported. It would certainly make remaining with Smith as the starter a lot easier to explain.
Sanchez counts $12.9 million against the year's salary cap. If the Jets were to release him (highly unlikely) he would be a $4.8 hit in 2014. His contract alone saves his status with the team. Although, Sanchez has trade value as long as the Jets are willing to absorb some of the contract. At one point during training camp, he was predicted as the team's starting quarterback. In the right situation, Sanchez could be a star again.
Sanchez has a right to worry. The Jets thought process is unpredictable. The quarterback is no longer a fan favorite and as Ryan desperately tries to hold on to his job, breaking ties with Sanchez could be the move.
