Behind the Mark Sanchez Extension
Based on a report by Profootballtalk.com we now have a better idea of what exactly the Jets did with Mark Sanchez’ contract. In the grand scheme of things the
deal really amounts to nothing more than another small opportunity for Sanchez with a large amount of dollar figures tacked on at the end to make for a big media report.
Prior to the extension Sanchez had two years remaining on his contract at a total pay out of $17,750,000, none of which was guaranteed. There was a chance
he could have raised that total by about $1.5 million depending on playoff wins and performance.
Had the Jets moved on from Sanchez the dead cap hit this season would have been just over $5 million.
Under the new agreement Sanchez receives a two year cash payout of $20,250,000, which is not a large boost if you assume the team would have
made a deep run in the playoffs and Sanchez played decent during the course of the season. Essentially the Jets gave Mark the “we believe in you”
bonus and put those additional escalators in the contract as firm dollars.
The real reason behind the contract was to defer the cap charges that Mark was expected to carry in 2012.
Sanchez originally was scheduled to count for $14.25 million against the cap in 2012 and $8 million in 2013
provided he earned no escalators, a total of $22.25 million in cap dollars. Under the new deal Sanchez’ 2012 figure should fall to
$7.85 million. It could be slightly lower if the report of $20.5 million in full guarantees is correct. For that report to be correct the Jets
would have had to guarantee $1 million of Sanchez' workout bonuses in 2012 and 2013. The total cap charge for the two years will be $20.706 million,
close to $2 million less than he was set to receive on his prior contract.
The backend of the contract means little. The dead money in 2014 should be between $4.8 and $5.4 million, not much different than the
$5 million dead charge the Jets would have incurred had they cut him today. If he plays really well the average cap charges
of about $14.2 million will put him somewhere near the Tony Romo class. If he fails to play well he will be cut.
So look at this contract as nothing more than an opportunity for a 2 year audition for the job.
It does probably mean the Jets will not be bringing in a real veteran backup that can replace him this year.
He is probably saved from that until 2013. But in 2014 the option to release an underperforming player will be very real and will
probably carry a head coach and general manager with him if it occurs.
Sanchez has already proven he can flourish when the offensive line has their act together, opening holes for the RBs and protecting the QB.
A Joe Montana caliber QB would never be happy running a ground and pound offense anyway. I'm reminiscent of Phil Simms who was by no means a Joe Montana, and certainly not known for his long passing ability nor mobility outside of the pocket; but he was a great game manager, a great reader of defenses, very mobile inside the pocket, and he was perfect for the Giants' ground and pound offense.
Frankly, I think Sanchez has more talent than Simms had; just not as smart as Simms. Hopefully, that will change under the tutelage of Sparano and Company. Stats wise, Sanchez led the league in several categories, including scoring TDs in the red zone.
Fix the offensive line and the defense, and I highly doubt we will be hearing how much Sanchez sucks. The Green & White have regained "underdog" status, and the team always seems to prosper in that role.
The Jets got a free 3 year option at 12.5MM/year.
Seems like a reasonable move.
The only way its a mistake is if Matt Schaub gets cut and the Jets can't sign him because of the money owed Sanchez.
Maybe L. Landry as a free agent at Safety would be ok, provided the cost isn't too high.
God I hope Manning doesn't go to Miami :(
He has yet to show he is a complete QB. His strengths: physically tough, athletic, can throw slants, check downs, and an occasional seem pass. I have yet to see him: accurately throw down field, lead WRs, maintain composure, and show the ability to rapidly read and find weak spots in coverages.
Sunil, The Jets were going to stick with Sanchez this season, so they were always going to pay him for this year. If you take out that money, then what the Jets did was lower their cap, and give Sanchez a guarantee for next year, but in case he improves to "average" and they want to keep him, they then have him for a reasonable price for 4 more years. If they cut him after this year, teh cap cost is 2.5MM pre year for 4 years, not too terrible.
>>He has yet to show he is a complete QB. His strengths: physically tough, athletic, can throw slants, check downs, and an occasional seem pass. I have yet to see him: accurately throw down field, lead WRs, maintain composure, and show the ability to rapidly read and find weak spots in coverages.
I agree he has to improve. The question I have is if he improves a bit , but is still mediocre, what do the Jets do? Keep him for 2013 I suppose. Draft another QB? Sanchez may well be on the way out, but finding a replacement who is at least OK, may take a while. The Jets have to draft this QB and develop him for a year of two.
I think the Sanchez contract is ok, considering they were probably going to keep him for 1-2 years.
It cost 2.75MM , and has the upside that if he improves to "average" and they want to keep him, they will have him for 3-4 additional years
I agree with everything you wrote and thanks for highlighting the important points. I guess my frustration comes from the fact that they are going to give him "a free pass" for one more year. I'd rather they brought in someone like Jason Campbell who could take over in 2013 (or 2012) if Sanchez doesn't improve enough. Sanchez needs to compete for that all so important position.
I am no longer a Sanchez fan. I was hoping the Jets would get Manning, or that another team would take Manning and cut their QB so the Jets could get him. I think Sanchez is way over paid for his terrible performance last year.
2 things in his defense -
1 - the offensive line (Hunter) was bad at pass protection, and at run blocking, so Sanchez was at a big disadvantage
2- I think the former OC didn't make plays around Sanchez's limited skill set (like Denver did with Tebow).
I am hoping that if Hunter can improve to "a little below average", and Sparano can tailor plays to Sanchez's ability, he can be serviceable.
Still a disappointment, but hopefully not the 2nd worst QB in the NFL like he was last year.