NFL teams
Adam Schefter, ESPN Senior Writer 11y

Sources: Jets may cut Mark Sanchez

NFL, NFL Draft, New York Jets

With the second-round selection of Geno Smith, the New York Jets now have a surplus of quarterbacks, leading some sources familiar with the situation to say the team will consider releasing quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Sanchez counts $12.85 million against the salary cap. If the Jets cut him as a June 1 designation, which they can do at any time, the Jets would take a $12.35 million cap hit this year and $4.8 million next year.

There is no offset clause in the contract, meaning they're on the hook for $8.25 million whether he plays for them or not.

Nick Sanchez Jr., Mark's brother and agent, said the Jets have not yet asked the former first-round pick to take a pay cut or proposed a possible trade in the wake of Smith's addition.

In a text to ESPN's Sal Paolantonio, Nick Sanchez said the Jets brass was in contact with Mark Sanchez throughout Friday, telling him in advance about the possibility of drafting Smith.

Asked if Mark Sanchez wants to stay with the Jets, Nick Sanchez said: "I haven't asked him that question yet. He will comment at a later time. "

Clearly there is not enough room for all quarterbacks.

Newly signed free-agent quarterback David Garrard has impressed the organization with his play and personality, and he is considered an ideal mentor for a young quarterback like Smith.

There also has been a slight change in the thought process surrounding Tim Tebow, who showed up to his team's training facility 15 pounds lighter. Tebow has won some support within the organization, sources familiar with the situation said.

Tebow appears lighter, faster and has worked to improve his throwing motion, which the Jets have noticed. The longer he is in the building, the more he wins support, one source said.

This could leave Sanchez as the odd man out. It's not the first time the Jets have considered this move, sources said.

Information from ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini and ESPN's Sal Paolantonio was used in this report.

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