New York Jets fans wishing for an end to the Mark Sanchez era finally had their prayers answered over the weekend. The team gave the former first-round pick the boot Friday, clearing room for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick to sign a 1-year deal.
The Vick deal, worth $5 million, comes as Geno Smith is currently considered the starter for the team. Sanchez, like Vick, has had an injury-plagued career that hampered his chances to gel as the leader of the offense. Sanchez was on his way to starting for the 2013-14 season, but was injured in the Jets’ last preseason game last summer.
Vick’s arrival to the squad is an interesting one, considering Smith looked up to the former Virginia Tech standout as a hero and mentor. The pair will compete for the starting position, with Vick boldly saying he understands his backup role but does eye the top job.
“I wouldn’t say I would be O.K. sitting on the bench all year, but I know what I signed up for,” Vick said as reported by the New York Times. “I signed to compete and be a helping hand to Geno.”
Sanchez, who is apparently still on the mend from right shoulder surgery that kept him out the game last year, was due for a $2 million dollar roster bonus had he remained with the team. Cutting Sanchez saves the Jets $8.3 million against the salary cap.
Vick, who was sidelined last year by a severe hamstring injury, lost the starting job to second-year quarterback Nick Foles.
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Photo: Hugh Dillon/WENN
