Sanchez is Not the Answer for the Arizona Cardinals
By Scott Allen
Dec 17, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) passes against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at LP Field. The Titans beat the Jets 14-10. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
I’ve seen and heard several suggestions that the Arizona Cardinals go after New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez when the season ends. I’m here to tell you that is a colossally bad idea. Not only would you bring in a poor quarterback and thus not fixing the issues the Cards have at the position now, you also will be shelling out a ton of money to do it. So, just stop it!
Sanchez was benched in New York this week in favor of Greg McElroy. Many are saying his time in New York is done. The Jets have stated they will try to trade him. However he is due to make a guaranteed $8 million next season and whoever he goes too, gets to fork over that paycheck. He also will be a $17 million hit on the Jets cap next season with or without him. I find it very difficult to see the Jets moving him and at the very least finding someone dumb enough to take that payroll on.
Kevin Kolb is a better option than Mark Sanchez and if you wanted to part with Kolb, you don’t need Sanchez to complete that transaction. Kolb’s money is not guaranteed next season. Sure, you don’t want to lose Kolb for nothing after what he was paid last year and next, but the option of losing him for nothing is much better than digging your financial hole deeper.
The Cards, if they choose not to keep Kolb in 2013, can start fresh with three new quarterbacks. They can do it without taking any further hits financially. If you want improvement at the quarterback position and at other positions quite frankly, then Sanchez is not the guy you want. Let’s not even get onto the actual performance issues Sanchez has. That in itself should be reason enough not to want him in a Cards uniform in 2013. Let’s get smart about this. Don’t let the fact that with Kolb on the injured reserve, we want to get rid of John Skelton and Ryan Lindley so badly we are willing to forget that Sanchez’s numbers are just that – quite forgettable, numbers on the field and off it.