The New York Jets may release Mark Sanchez soon, according to the latest batch of rumors. The embattled quarterback is having an awful performance in OTAs, and he is reportedly losing the support of his teammates. With the selection of Geno Smith, New York could look to release Sanchez to clear cap space.
Sources first told ESPN's Adam Schefter in April that Sanchez might not be a Jet for long.
Geno Smith's selection in April won't quiet the quarterback controversy New York tried to mitigate by releasing Tebow. If Sanchez continues his poor performance and turnovers, fans will find Smith's name rolling off their tongues just as easily as Tebow's did.
Sanchez has already lost some fan support. Now, according to Mike Freeman of CBS Sports, Sanchez is losing the support of the locker room.
"Everyone on the team likes Mark personally but there's a general feeling among some of the players that maybe it's time to give someone else a chance," an unnamed player told Freeman.
Freeman added: "The player went on to say that he estimates that 80-90 percent of the team feels the same way he does."
Sanchez's performance at OTAs isn't quelling his teammates concerns, either. Freeman reports that Sanchez threw three interceptions in 11 pass attempts during a Wednesday OTA. Coach Rex Ryan called the interceptions "disappointing" and "unacceptable."
While Sanchez has had three different offensive coordinators in the last three seasons, his upside is questionable at this point in his career. Sanchez, 26, might not be the franchise quarterback that the Jets traded up for in the 2009 draft.
Ryan could be headed to the hot seat himself, and he might either bench or release his handpicked quarterback in a bid to save his job.
If Sanchez is released, there's no telling what sort of market will await him. His resume contains two AFC Conference Championship appearances, but it also contains a bevy of turnovers. Just last year Sanchez threw 18 interceptions to 11 touchdowns, and he fumbled 14 times — including the infamous butt fumble.
Offseason team activities have just begun, and Sanchez has a long summer ahead of him. Sanchez, who carries a $17 million salary cap hit, might not be on the roster for much longer if his game doesn't improve.
