New York Jets Quarterback Mark Sanchez had a rough year and there was talk that the team was looking to replace him with star QB Peyton Manning, who is currently a free agent. He also happens to be the brother of NY Giants star QB Eli. Was Sanchez insulted? Would he have stayed had they hired Manning? Read on…
On to what extent they looked into adding Manning…
TANNENBAUM: I’m not going to get into specifics, but let’s just say it was something we looked into. We had discussions internally. Again, that’s my charge. We’re always going to look into opportunities to improve this team. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and when a first ballot Hall of Fame quarterback becomes available, you look into it. I’m not getting into the specifics of how many calls or what we did or didn’t do except to say we did look into it and discussed it internally. As we did that, we kept the negotiation with Mark and his people ongoing, and they were great throughout this whole process. A little over three hours ago, we found a landing spot.
On what he saw from Sanchez to give him an extension…
TANNENBAUM: It’s based on the whole body of work. It’s based on the person, the work ethic, and again, when you look at what we believe in as a team and the success of our team, we really feel that he fits in line with the David Harrises and the rest of our guys, that he’s a young player, and like any other young player, there’s some inconsistencies that have to get better. To Mark’s credit, he’d be the first one to tell you that, and he’s a perfectionist. But with that said, we’ve won a lot of football games with Mark as a starting quarterback of the New York Jets, and that’s really what convinced us, Rex, Woody and I. It’s not a projection, it’s not a hope, it’s not an incremental leap of faith, it’s here’s – a three year body of work. And again, with that said, we don’t have blinders on. It has to get better, and we think it will get better, and we think it’ll become more consistent going into Mark’s fourth year. But taking a long view of things, we’re excited and encouraged by the trajectory of Mark’s career.
On if this extension sends a message to other players that Sanchez will be here for a while…
TANNENBAUM: We feel good about Mark. He’s won a lot of games here, and Mark and Santonio have played well together as New York Jets and done a lot of great things together. Obviously, there were some things last year that had to get cleaned up, and I’m confident that they will, and I’m confident that process has started. But Mark has been around here for a while. We’ve won a lot of games with him as a quarterback. This was about getting a good young player like D’Brickashaw, Nick Mangold, and Darrelle Revis and David Harris under contract. That’s the core of our team, and our goal is to draft them and keep them. A lot of good things have happened with Mark and Rex and to solidify that partnership for years to come, Woody Johnson and Rex and myself, we’re excited about that.
On if he think Sanchez would have remained on the roster if Manning was brought in…
TANNENBAUM: I just don’t want to get into hypotheticals. You never know how those things play out. So I don’t know.
On how he dealt with the Jets looking into Peyton Manning…
SANCHEZ: You know, honestly, I completely understand, especially being there for three years now in the NFL that this is a business, and the team has its obligation to consider all of its options. I’m excited that the Jets believe in me and that I was the guy they want to move forward with in the future. You know, I really didn’t think too much into it. I know there’s 15 to 20 plus other teams that have thought the same thing, and they have starting quarterbacks from last year who might get upset about that. But honestly, I was thrilled that our negotiations were going on and I knew if things played out the right way that I’d be their guy just like I was in the beginning, and that means the world to me.
On if he felt insulted the Jets were looking at Manning…
SANCHEZ: Not at all. I knew that’s a part of Mr. Tannenbaum’s job, to look into every viable option, whether it’s at offensive line or running back, receiver, any defensive position. It’s something they have to do. But the best part about it is they chose to stick with me. I’m going to be the starting quarterback for the next few years here, and that’s exciting. It gives the team just a reminder that I’m the leader of this team, and I’m excited to get back, and I’m going to be working my tail off these next few months to become the best possible starting quarterback that this franchise can have.
On if he would have remained on the team if the team had signed Manning…
SANCHEZ: You know, same thing that you guys asked Mike T., I’m not going to speculate on things like that. All I know is I’m the starting quarterback and I’m thrilled about it, and I’m excited to get back with Rex and Coach Sparano and get this thing going.