When the Jets drafted Geno Smith, creating a six-man quarterback conga line, many suggested they should cut veteran Mark Sanchez.
But given the realities of Sanchez’s contract, cutting him would mean paying him his fully-guaranteed salary of $8.25 million within 30 days. And it also would mean not having him around in the event the team needs him.
With David Garrard calling it quits due to the knee injury that has contributed in part to his two-plus-year absence from the game, the Jets need Sanchez.
They may need him even more by September. The Jets are now a torn ACL to Smith away from relying on Sanchez to be the starter in 2013.
Since they’ll pay Sanchez $8.25 million whether he’s on the team or not, the Jets should keep Sanchez. Because they may need Sanchez.
Indeed, they have a much greater need for him today than they did yesterday.