Poll: Will Mark Sanchez Find A Starting Job?

The Jets are unlikely to find a trade partner for quarterback Mark Sanchez and they’re even more unlikely to bring him back for 2014, leaving only one likely outcome. In 2009, the USC product vaulted up draft boards thanks to his maturity, poise, and game management skills. The Jets moved up to snag Sanchez and even though his rookie season was promising, he appears to have regressed over the last few years. One would have thought that Sanchez’s legacy in green would be defined by two trips AFC Championship game and possibly a Super Bowl appearance to follow but his most memorable singular moment in New York may prove to be the infamous butt fumble.

To blame Sanchez for all of the Jets’ woes, however, would be unfair. The Jets’ offensive line was less-than-solid during his time under center and the club was unable to find a way to upgrade from struggling tackle Wayne Hunter. And while there were weapons like Santonio Holmes for him to work with, the conservative playcalling of offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer (2006-2011) may not have given him the best chance to succeed.

Could Sanchez get back to being a starting QB in the NFL? He may not be the best available candidate on the open market, but there are numerous clubs with openings, including the Jaguars, Texans, Browns, Vikings, Buccaneers, and Raiders. He should also come at a fairly reasonable price. General Managers tell Rich Cimini of ESPN.com that Sanchez could get a deal worth ~$3.4MM with a chance to start. It’s also not like he has particularly strong competition out there. Beyond Michael Vick, regarded by many as the best QB on the 2014 free agent market, teams will be looking at the likes of Chad Henne and Matt Cassel. Considering all of that, will Sanchez wind up as someone’s starter in 2014?

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