Released by the New York Jets late last week, quarterback Mark Sanchez was linked to multiple teams, despite the free agent’s continued rehab from shoulder surgery. The need for depth and stability at the quarterback position in the NFL grows on a seasonal basis and because multiple teams across the league hold varying degrees of interest, the former University of California standout was expected to be a hot commodity right up until he inked a deal with a new franchise. While the Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars and others could have surely used the help, Sanchez’s No. 1 target quickly became the Eagles and because of that early interest, Sanchez will now fly south.
The Eagles recently parted ways with quarterback Michael Vick -- who signed with the Jets last Friday -- and while the team will head into the season with Nick Foles as the starting quarterback following an impressive 2013-2014 campaign, the organization still holds the need for a quality back-up. Enter Mark Sanchez. Despite missing all of last season with a shoulder injury and currently rehabbing from surgery, Sanchez is viewed by the Eagles as a viable option in place of Vick. According to the New York Post there was strong mutual interest between Sanchez and the Eagles but front-office higher-ups want team doctors to evaluate the QB’s shoulder on their own before taking the next step. Comfortable with his physical status, Sanchez and the Eagles are the latest partners though terms on the contract remain undisclosed.
Sanchez’s last full season came in 2012 where he posted a 6-9 record in 15 starts while throwing for over 2,880 yards and 13 touchdowns. Though he’s shown the ability to be a tremendous field general and playmaker -- guiding the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship games in 2009 and 2010 -- the 27--year-old does have a problem protecting the football, and his last two healthy seasons were certainly indicative of that issue. Tossing 18 interceptions during the 2011 and 2012 seasons while fumbling possession away 24 times, Sanchez hasn’t been overly protective of the ball and these characteristics certainly hurt himself and the New York Jets.
Why Philadelphia?
In addition to drawing the attention of Philadelphia and previously mentioned organizations, the Long Beach, California native had also been linked to the New York Giants, who were reportedly in the market for added depth behind starting quarterback and two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning. Despite selecting former Syracuse University star Ryan Nassib in the fourth round of last season’s NFL Draft, the Giants were rumored to have interest in Sanchez, even if front office personnel didn't provide much information on their collective thought process.
“I haven’t really studied Sanchez since he was a college player,” Giants General Manager Jerry Reese said this week. “It’s not fair for me to evaluate someone I haven’t studied, or give an opinion on him. I really can’t make a comment on that. But, we investigate everything. Never say never.”
In the end, Philadelphia became the most convenient and logical destination due to the team's need for a veteran QB presence and second-year head coach Chip Kelly's ability to get the best out of his talents under center.
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