New York Jets Rumors: Mark Sanchez, Calvin Pace
New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) goes back to pass against the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium. New York Jets defeat the New York Giants 24-21 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
The New York Jets are fully expected to release backup Mark Sanchez and his untenable salary before the March 25th deadline, but they still haven’t slammed the door shut on potentially keeping him around. Even though the chances of Sanchez remaining with the Jets past this March are slim, there’s still the possibility that he would be willing to take a paycut to stick around and be Geno Smith’s backup. The Jets have showed interest in veteran stopgap/backup options Josh McCown and Michael Vick, who both figure to be noticeably better options than Sanchez, even if Vick’s injuries keep him from being a reliable backup.
Despite the fact that cutting Sanchez is the logical and most likely course of action, the Jets haven’t shut down the chance of retaining him on a cheaper salary. The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported in a reply to a follower on Twitter that although he would be “shocked” if Sanchez isn’t cut by the Jets, the team still hasn’t told “Sanchize” to pack his bags. I’m sure that’s what will end up happening, even if both sides did negotiate during the Combine. Nothing is expected to happen at all, and Sanchez had better hope that the rumors earlier this offseason about him garnering interest around the league are true.
It’s was reported by draft insider Tony Pauline that the New York Jets and Calvin Pace have mutual interest and spoke with his rep during the Combine, but it sounds like the Jets might not have actually started negotiations with him. The New York Daily News’s Manish Mehta reports that although Jets head coach Rex Ryan stated that he wants to have Pace back in 2014, the Jets haven’t started contractual discussions with the 33-year-old outside linebacker.
Pace had a career-high ten sacks in a contract year, and I fully expect the team to bring him back on a one-year deal. He was productive last year, and his experience and consistency would be appreciated at the OLB spot. If Pace doesn’t end up re-signing with the Jets, then I will be pretty surprised.