After the Jets passed on Peyton Manning, they worked out a contract extension with Mark Sanchez. Less than two weeks later, the Jets traded for Tim Tebow.
So here’s a question that it only took me five days to think of: Would the Jets or Sanchez sign the same deal today?
I’m guessing that Sanchez wouldn’t do it, and that the Jets would.
Sanchez did it assuming that it meant the team was committing to him as the unquestioned starting quarterback for the next two years. The acquisition of Tebow says otherwise.
The Jets would do it because they did it knowing full well they may make a run at Tebow. This isn’t something that happened overnight. As we reported way back on Christmas Day, the Jets were beginning to realize that Sanchez may not be the answer at the position, and the Jets intended to explore their options.
The Jets explored Manning and, once Manning chose the Broncos, the Jets opted to land Tebow.
Though more than $20 million guaranteed over the next two years could end up being a lot to pay to a part-time quarterback, the Jets likely viewed it as a financial pre-apology. With so much money destined to flow into Sanchez’s pockets, how much can he really complain about being lifted from time to time in favor of Tebow?
Still, for Sanchez, the question remains: Seventeen days later, would he have signed his new contract all over again?