The New York Jets quarterback situation will likely remain a constant focus throughout the season regardless of which quarterback is ultimately starting from week to week.
For now, Geno Smith will get the start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday as Mark Sanchez will miss time with an injured shoulder.
Smith could very well remain the starter even after Sanchez gets healthy. However, even if Sanchez is fully relegated to reserve duty the Jets, team owner Woody Johnson said the team has no plans of dumping Sanchez.
“Mark will be on the team, I don’t think there’s any question about that,” Johnson said, via Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com.
Sanchez already has a $8.25 million guaranteed contract from the Jets this season, with no offset language to reduce the money owed if he signs with another team. What compounds the problem for the Jets is that even if they did want to release Sanchez, it would be an even further blow to their salary cap space to release him this season. Rex Ryan said injured reserve isn’t being considered for Sanchez at this stage either and it could be a couple weeks before he’s able to play.
For better or worse, the Jets are stuck with Sanchez. How much of an impact he’ll have this season and when he’s able to get back on the field remains to be seen.