NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS. March 25, 2014 Table of Contents

Transcription

1 NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS March 25, 2014 Table of Contents ASSOCIATED PRESS... 1 Ravens, Jets get 4 compensatory picks... 1 NEWSDAY... 2 Jets should take all of DeSean Jackson's baggage into account (Bob Glauber)... 2 Report: Mark Sanchez expected to sign with Eagles (Kimberley A. Martin)... 3 THE RECORD... 5 NFL: Eagles eye Mark Sanchez? (J.P. Pelzman)... 5 NEW YORK POST... 5 Jets awarded 4 extra picks, Giants get 1 (Brian Costello)... 5 Eagles favorite to land Sanchez, but want to check out shoulder first (Brian Costello)... 6 How Santonio disaster should alter Jets D-Jax pursuit (Steve Serby)... 7 NEW YORK DAILY NEWS... 8 NY Jets among four finalists to land running back Maurice Jones-Drew (Manish Mehta)... 8 Eagles have edge to sign Mark Sanchez, who is also on NY Giants radar: source (Manish Mehta)... 9 Marriage with Chip Kelly and Eagles could be perfect for Mark Sanchez (Gary Myers) METRO NEW YORK Report: Eagles looking to sign former Jets QB Mark Sanchez (Mark Osborne) MONDAY S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS ASSOCIATED PRESS Ravens, Jets get 4 compensatory picks Associated Press Mar. 24, ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) The Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets each will receive four compensatory picks in this year's draft for free agents they lost in Baltimore gets spots in the third, fourth and fifth rounds, with two choices in Round 4. Those slots are 99th, 134th, 138th and 175th. Among the free agents the Ravens lost after winning the 2012 NFL title were Ed Reed, Danell Ellerbe, Paul Kruger and Cary Williams, all key defensive players. The Jets will get slots 139, 209, 210 and 213: a fourth-rounder and three sixth-rounders. They lost free agents Dustin Keller, Matt Slauson, Yeremiah Bell, Mike DeVito, Shonn Greene and LaRon Landry. The number of picks a team receives equals the net loss of compensatory free agents up to a maximum of four. The compensatory choices can't be traded. 1 P a g e

2 Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Pittsburgh and St. Louis each received three compensatory picks. Cincinnati, Green Bay and Detroit got two apiece, while New England, San Francisco and the New York Giants were give one each. In all, 32 choices were awarded for the draft, which begins May 8. Pittsburgh, which lost Mike Wallace, Keenan Lewis, Ryan Mundy and Rashard Mendenhall in free agency last year, gets the highest pick, 97th overall, 33rd in the third round. Green Bay goes directly after the Steelers, having lost Greg Jennings and Erik Walden. Then, Baltimore and San Francisco finish off the third-round; the 49ers lost Dashon Goldson, Ricky Jean Francois, Isaac Sopoaga, Delanie Walker and Ted Ginn Jr. NEWSDAY Jets should take all of DeSean Jackson's baggage into account (Bob Glauber) Newsday There is no debating the fact that DeSean Jackson is a supremely talented wide receiver with a rare blend of speed and elusiveness. There is no question that any offense would benefit at some level from his presence, forcing opposing defensive coordinators to pay special attention to him whenever he's on the field. But to look at Jackson simply in the vacuum of what he does on the field is to ignore the complete picture of a receiver who brings with him significant risks. The kind of risks the Jets are now seriously considering amid reports the Eagles are prepared to move on without their talented 27-year-old receiver. Jackson can be petulant when the ball isn't coming his way -- OK, not the first receiver to act that way, but still a potential cause for concern. He has been flagged for a handful of taunting penalties over the years, inciting the emotions of opposing players in a way that his coaches, Andy Reid and Chip Kelly, have not appreciated. And his occasionally moody demeanor in the locker room has been duly noted by some of his Eagles teammates. Jackson complained after the 2013 season, in which he had a career-high 1,332 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns, that he wanted a new contract. This comes less than two years after signing a five-year, $47 million contract that including a whopping $10.25 million base salary in In a game last season against the Vikings, Jackson got into a sideline altercation with wide receivers coach Bob Bicknell after a play on which Nick Foles threw an interception on a route run by Jackson, who apparently went the wrong way. The fact that Jackson is coming off a career year and that the Eagles are desperately trying to move him should at least signify a red flag to any team. Ask yourself: If Jackson was that essential to the Eagles' success last year, when they won the NFC East in Kelly's first season as coach, then why would they want to part ways with him? Especially if you're the Jets, who had a similar experience with another smallish wide receiver. More on that in a minute. 2 P a g e

3 Eagles general manager Howie Roseman met with reporters on Monday at the NFL owners meetings and mostly sidestepped questions about Jackson's standing with the team, another indication of the Eagles' uncertainty surrounding one of their most talented players. "I've always been open and willing to talk to [the media] and our fans if it's appropriate. Other than speculation I'm happy to do that," Roseman said. "Obviously, the only thing we care about is winning. We want to win and we are fortunate that we have an owner that gives us the resources to do it. I think if you even look where we are in terms of team spending this offseason, it's high. We're going to be aggressive and do whatever it takes. For us, it's about building the team. We're just starting. This is our first year in this program." Roseman didn't comment directly when pressed about Jackson's situation. "He's still under contract," Roseman said. "For us, until there's anything to report on our players, that's where we are right now." Jets owner Woody Johnson acknowledged Sunday that the Jets were keeping tabs on Jackson, although he hinted strongly that the team would most likely be unwilling to trade draft picks for him, choosing instead to sign him as a free agent -- if they were to sign him at all. Johnson was faced with a remarkably similar situation before the 2010 season, when the Steelers let it be known that another exceptional receiver was available on the trade market. Santonio Holmes, at age 26, also was coming off his most productive season with 1,242 receiving yards in Holmes already had a Super Bowl MVP award on his resume, courtesy of his transcendent performance against the Cardinals in the 2008 season title game. Holmes also came with plenty of baggage, too, including a reputation for locker-room petulance and a looming four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. The Jets traded for Holmes, who helped the team get to the 2010 AFC Championship Game and then signed a five-year, $50 million contract shortly before the 2011 season. He was solid that year, with eight touchdown receptions, although he had only 654 receiving yards. But Holmes also proved to be a locker room distraction that year when Rex Ryan made what he admitted was a mistake by naming Holmes a team captain. A year later, he suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 4, and he played only 11 games in The Jets released him shortly before the start of free agency this year. The Jets now appear interested in bringing in another receiver who can potentially open up their anemic offense. It sounds as if newly signed quarterback Michael Vick is in favor of a move, but Vick is only signed for a year. If the Jets trade for Jackson, they inherit a contract that he has already said isn't worth his market value. And if Jackson is released and becomes a free agent, then how much money would he demand on a new contract? Do the Jets really want to go down that road? After all, no matter how much they give Jackson, he may want to redo the deal shortly, as was the case in Philadelphia. Put it all together, and the Jets have a major decision to make on a boom-or-bust receiver. We'll offer two words of advice as they ponder their next move: Buyer beware. Report: Mark Sanchez expected to sign with Eagles (Kimberley A. Martin) Newsday 3 P a g e

4 Looks as if the Eagles and Jets are set to swap backup quarterbacks. According to an ESPN report, Mark Sanchez is expected to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles -- the former home of Michael Vick -- pending a physical. The Jets released Sanchez on Friday, moments before they announced they had signed Vick for the 2014 season. Sanchez missed all of last season after suffering a torn labrum in his right (throwing) shoulder in the preseason during garbage time of the Jets' Snoopy Bowl game against the Giants. His contract with the Jets officially was terminated at 4 p.m. Monday, and now he is free to sign with whichever team he chooses. St. Louis seemed like a viable option for Sanchez, given his history with Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Schottenheimer served in the same capacity with the Jets during Sanchez's first three years in the league, when the Jets reached the AFC Championship Game after the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Rams coach Jeff Fisher confirmed at the NFL owners' meetings that his organization had interest in adding Sanchez. Cleveland also seemed like a possible destination, though much more unlikely. New coach Mike Pettine was the Jets' defensive coordinator from But according to ESPN, Sanchez's "next step" is signing with the Eagles. Reports out of Philadelphia, however, were a little more cautious. The Eagles currently have three quarterbacks on the roster: starter Nick Foles, Matt Barkley -- a USC product, as is Sanchez -- and G.J. Kinne, who briefly spent time with the Jets during their 2012 training camp. Although the Eagles are interested in Sanchez, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the team needs to "look further into his medical condition before they sign him to a contract," citing a source close to the situation. Another person familiar with Sanchez's situation said Monday that "the free-agency process is ongoing." He indicated there has been no resolution. The Giants were mentioned by NFL Network as one of the teams that would take a look at Sanchez, but the Giants do not appear likely to sign him, one team executive said, adding: "Joe Namath before we sign Sanchez." Earlier in the day, Sanchez posted a heartfelt goodbye to the Jets' organization, the team's fan base and his former teammates. In his thank you letter, he called his time as the Jets' quarterback "the thrill of my young career." He said his "only regret" is that the Jets didn't win a Super Bowl for the fans, his teammates and "my friend Aiden" -- referring to 11-year-old Aiden Binkley of Bellerose Village, who met Sanchez in 2010 just weeks before Binkley died of rhabdomyosarcoma. Notes & quotes: Free agent Vladimir Ducasse, a former second-round pick of the Jets in 2010, reportedly signed a one-year deal with the Vikings... The Jets received a league-high four compensatory picks for this year's draft, bringing their total to 12. They were awarded one fourth-round and three sixth-round compensatory picks for losing Yeremiah Bell, Mike DeVito, Shonn Greene, Dustin Keller, LaRon Landry and Matt Slauson to free agency last offseason. 4 P a g e

5 With Bob Glauber in Orlando, Fla. THE RECORD NFL: Eagles eye Mark Sanchez? (J.P. Pelzman) The Record March 25, #sthash.mlo2HyCd.dpuf Former Jets QB Mark Sanchez could be wearing more green this fall. Mark Sanchez s termination from the Jets became official at 4 p.m. on Monday, when his release was announced on the NFL s transaction wire. It came with the designation of "failed physical," likely because of the torn labrum in his right shoulder he still is rehabbing after an operation in October. Still, that shouldn t prevent the quarterback from landing somewhere else soon. ESPN reported Monday afternoon that Philadelphia was planning to sign Sanchez, although no move appeared to be imminent as of late Monday. The Eagles likely want to examine Sanchez s shoulder before signing him to make sure it is healing properly. If he signs with them, the Jets and Philadelphia will, in effect, have traded backup quarterbacks. The Jets signed Michael Vick on Friday, making Sanchez expendable. Sanchez wrote an open letter on the web, describing his time with the Jets as "the thrill of my young career." He referred to "some tough times, but mostly good times." Also Monday, reserve offensive lineman Vlad Ducasse, who lost his starting job at left guard after four games last season, reportedly signed a one-year contract with Minnesota. The Jets were awarded the maximum of four compensatory draft picks by the NFL for free agents they lost before last season. They will get slots 139 (a fourth-rounder) and 209, 210 and 213 (all sixth-rounders). The Jets have 12 picks, although compensatory selections cannot be traded. The Baltimore Ravens also received four compensatory picks. The Giants got one compensatory pick, No. 174 in the fifth round. NEW YORK POST Jets awarded 4 extra picks, Giants get 1 (Brian Costello) New York Post The Jets were awarded the maximum of four compensatory draft picks and the Giants received one, the league announced Monday. The Jets now have 12 picks in May s Draft. They received an additional fourth-rounder and three more sixth-rounders, giving them three fourth-round picks and four picks in the sixth round. 5 P a g e

6 The Giants received an additional fifth-round pick (174 overall), giving them a total of seven picks. They have two fifth-round picks and one in every other round except the seventh. The league uses a formula to reward compensatory picks to teams for free agents lost in the prior season as compared to those added. The Jets were given picks (134 overall, 209, 210 and 213) after losing Yeremiah Bell, Mike DeVito, Shonn Greene, Dustin Keller, LaRon Landry and Matt Slauson in 2013 while only adding Antwan Barnes and Mike Goodson. The Giants lost Martellus Bennett, Chase Blackburn, Domenik Hixon and Osi Umenyiora while adding Josh Brown, Brandon Myers and Ryan Mundy. Compensatory picks cannot be traded. Eagles favorite to land Sanchez, but want to check out shoulder first (Brian Costello) New York Post The Eagles and Sanchez have a mutual interest, according to a source, and Philadelphia has the edge over the other teams interested in the former Jets quarterback. Sanchez officially became a free agent Monday afternoon when the paperwork was filed with the league office. He was released by the Jets with an injury designation, meaning he would not be able to play right now because of his surgically repaired shoulder. The shoulder could be the only issue holding up a deal with the Eagles, who want their doctors to examine Sanchez before they agree to sign him, the source said, adding that nothing had been agreed to yet. The Jets and Eagles are basically swapping backup quarterbacks. Gang Green dumped Sanchez on Friday night after signing former Eagles quarterback Michael Vick. Sanchez would go to Philadelphia as Nick Foles backup. Eagles coach Chip Kelly was the offensive coordinator at Oregon when Sanchez played at USC. Matt Barkley, another former Trojans quarterback, also plays for the Eagles. Foles is also from the Pac-12, having playing his college ball at Arizona. The source said several teams have expressed interest in Sanchez. Rams coach Jeff Fisher admitted to USA Today his team was interested in Sanchez. The NFL Network reported the Giants were interested, but a source said that was not a likely destination for Sanchez. When asked Monday at the league meetings in Orlando, Fla., Giants general manager Jerry Reese told The Post s Bart Hubbuch, First I ve heard of that. But you never say never. Sanchez said goodbye to Jets fans on Monday. He tweeted out a link to a letter to Jets fans, thanking them for their support during his five seasons with the team. Playing quarterback for the Jets has been the thrill of my young career, Sanchez wrote. We shared some incredible moments together that I ll never forget, he wrote, adding he gave everything I had to win the Lombardi Trophy. 6 P a g e

7 Sanchez thanked his teammates as well. He also mentioned Aiden Binkley, a young fan who had a rare form of cancer and met Sanchez in The two formed a friendship before Aiden died on Dec. 30, I only regret that we couldn t bring it home for all of us to share, especially for those guys in the locker room and for my friend Aiden, Sanchez wrote. Fisher is the only coach to publicly say his team is interested in Sanchez. The Rams make sense since their offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer, served in the same role with the Jets during Sanchez s first three seasons. I d say that there is interest. I can t say how much. But there certainly would be interest, Fisher told the newspaper at the league meetings. I don t have a backup with experience on the roster right now. Sam Bradford, the Rams starting quarterback, is coming back from ACL surgery. At the moment, his backup is the inexperienced Austin Davis. It could be the best landing spot for Sanchez. He would be reunited with Schottenhemier and could get a chance to start if Bradford gets injured again or stumbles. Brian had a good relationship with Mark, Fisher said. He s just learning. He s been to the AFC Championship Game a couple of times, so he s been there. How Santonio disaster should alter Jets D-Jax pursuit (Steve Serby) New York Post I m all for the Jets signing DeSean Jackson once he is released by the Eagles, under one condition: They give him a one-year deal. And nothing more. Let s call this Santonio Holmes Law: do not enable a diva receiva with a red-flagged past by going all-in on him with a monster contract. Do not assume D-Jax s recurring moodiness was simply a matter of immaturity. There was a Buyer s Beware sign plastered all over Holmes, who was a steal for a fifth-round draft choice. That five-year, $50 million contract? Not so much. There was a reason why the Steelers were so eager to discard Holmes, and there is a reason why Chip Kelly wants Jackson out of Philadelphia. D-Jax does not bring as much baggage as Holmes did, but he has been a headache. And the last thing the Jets who lead the league in manufacturing headaches need is another one. My initial reaction when the news broke that the Jets were interested was thanks but no thanks. I ve decided to give him the benefit of my doubt. Go get him! For And only Rex Ryan faces a playoffs-or-bust season after three straight empty Januarys, and the way Woody Johnson was talking at the owners meetings Sunday, it sure sounds as if he won t bend over backwards one more time for him. 7 P a g e

8 D-Jax is an electric, dynamic game-breaker who would change the complexion of Marty Mornhinweg s offense and help Geno Vick, or Michael Smith, whichever one will be the starting quarterback. Jackson would also add a nuclear dimension to the return game. He would be the perfect complement to Eric Decker, a big No. 2 receiver. If the Jets get Jackson, they could use the 18th pick on a cornerback, because right now, media relations chiefs Bruce Speight and Jared Winley may have to serve as depth. The presence of D-Jax would be both a blessing and a curse for both Ryan and Geno Smith. Ryan would have no excuses general manager John Idzik would have gotten him the weapons the Jets so blatantly lacked a year ago. Smith would have no excuses either he develops an instant chemistry with D-Jax, or Michael Vick will show him how it s done, reunited with his former teammate. Holmes was 26 when then-gm Mike Tannenbaum landed him for one of those old Hess trucks. D-Jax is 27. D-Jax is capable of keeping Bill Belichick up at night. He is also capable of keeping Ryan, who thinks he could coach Charles Manson, and Mornhinweg up at night. Go get him! NEW YORK DAILY NEWS NY Jets among four finalists to land running back Maurice Jones-Drew (Manish Mehta) The Jets face competition within their division for the 29-year-old in both the Patriots and Dolphins. The Steelers are also interested in the former Jaguars back. NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ORLANDO The Jets are looking to add another offensive skill position piece to the puzzle, but general manager John Idzik may first have to fend off a pair of division rivals. The Daily News has learned that the Jets, Patriots, Dolphins and Steelers are in the hunt to land veteran running back Maurice Jones-Drew. The teams are expected to meet with the Jones-Drew camp at league meetings this week. The News reported two weeks ago that the Jets had serious interest in the former Jaguars running back. Jones-Drew, 29, visited the Steelers last week, but left without signing a contract. A report last week indicated that Jones-Drew, who has spent eight seasons in Jacksonville, was looking for $3.5 million per year in a new deal, but two sources said that number is high. The Dolphins brought in Broncos free-agent running back Knowshon Moreno for a visit last week, but he left without a deal. Two additional sources told The News that Idzik s hard-line stance cost the Jets an opportunity to sign their top running back target early in free agency. That player signed with another AFC team. Jones-Drew, who has rushed for 8,071 yards, would be a good find for Idzik & Co. on the secondary freeagent market. 8 P a g e

9 The Jets are looking for a running back to complement Chris Ivory, who has had durability concerns throughout his career. Jones-Drew, who has had six seasons with at least 40 receptions, would also provide a pass-catching dimension that fits into Marty Mornhinweg s offense. Jones-Drew averaged a career-low 3.4 yards per carry last season, but he could provide another quality option with a shared workload for an offense that had a dearth of weapons last season. The Jets, who have about $30 million in salary cap space, have been hunting for bargains since signing wide receiver Eric Decker to a 5-year, $36-million deal at the start of free agency. They inked veteran quarterback Michael Vick to a one-year, $5 million deal last week. Owner Woody Johnson admitted at the league meetings on Sunday that the organization has discussed Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who is reportedly on the trading block. He s still under contract, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman told reporters on Monday. I obviously know there s lot of speculation going on. GETTING PICKY The Jets now have 12 picks in the upcoming draft after being awarded four compensatory picks a fourth-rounder (137 overall) and three sixth-rounders (209, 210, 213).... Former Jets offensive lineman Vlad Ducasse agreed to a one-year deal with the Vikings, according to a source. Ducasse was a secondround disappointment for Gang Green. Eagles have edge to sign Mark Sanchez, who is also on NY Giants radar: source (Manish Mehta) Although the Giants reportedly have some level of interest, the source told the Daily News that it s unlikely that Sanchez, who won four road playoff games in five seasons with the Jets, will be staying in New York. A second source said that Sanchez s free agent process was 'ongoing.' NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ORLANDO Mark Sanchez is closing in on his new home. Three days after the Jets parted ways with their former first-round pick, the Eagles have the edge to land Sanchez, according to a source. However, Chip Kelly s team is not a lock to sign him, the source said. Although the Giants reportedly have some level of interest, the source told the Daily News that it s unlikely that Sanchez, who won four road playoff games in five seasons with the Jets, will be staying in New York. A second source said that Sanchez s free agent process was ongoing. ESPN reported that Sanchez, 27, would be signing with the Eagles after he was officially released by the Jets with a failed physical designation. Ensuing reports indicated that the Eagles and Sanchez have mutual interest, but the team will examine the quarterback s surgically repaired right shoulder before proceeding with a deal. Sanchez suffered a torn labrum in garbage time of the third preseason game that effectively ended his tenure with Rex Ryan s team. A source told The News that Sanchez, who has been rehabbing in Southern California, is throwing at 80% capacity and will visit a team by the end of this week or early next week to get examined by team medical personnel. No team has asked Sanchez to throw at this point, according to a source. 9 P a g e

10 The Jets decision to hold on to Sanchez until last Friday may have shrunk his options, but the Eagles seems like an ideal new home. Kelly s offense is loaded with talented skill position players including LeSean McCoy, Darren Sproles, Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson (for now). Sanchez, who thrived in no-huddle situations with the Jets, would fit in nicely in Kelly s offense. He s proven that he can be a quality quarterback with a sufficient supporting cast. Nick Foles, coming off a standout season in relief of Michael Vick, is the Eagles undisputed starter, but Sanchez would provide a solid backup option now that Vick has signed with the Jets. That s one of the positions we ve always talked about having a lot of depth, a lot of competition, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said Monday at the league meetings. If there was an opportunity for us to add a player that we thought added competition, was a good player, we d have to look at that. Sanchez, who went as a starter with 89 total touchdowns and 72 interceptions with the Jets, posted a farewell letter to Jets fans on his official Twitter page on Monday morning. Playing quarterback for the New York Jets has been the thrill of my young career, Sanchez wrote. We shared some incredible moments together that I ll never forget. There were some tough times, but mostly good times, he added. In the end, I know I gave you and the Jets everything I had to win the Lombardi Trophy. I only regret that we couldn t bring it home for all of us to share. He experienced his fair share of highs and lows for Ryan s team. Sanchez wanted another chance to come back from a forgettable season, but ultimately realized what everyone knew all along. It s time to move on, he wrote. Marriage with Chip Kelly and Eagles could be perfect for Mark Sanchez (Gary Myers) Kelly s fast-break offense would be a good fit for Sanchez, who was more effective the times he ran the hurry-up with the Jets when Brian Schottenheimer was the offensive coordinator. NEW YORK DAILY NEWS March 25, ORLANDO It s not anything like the Broncos, 49ers and Titans throwing themselves and a large pile of cash at Peyton Manning two years ago, but that s what happens when it s Mark Sanchez coming off shoulder surgery and back-to-back seasons of 26 turnovers the last time he played. So, it appears that the Eagles, the only team that is seriously interested in signing Sanchez, will be his next stop, which turns this into a Sanchez-for-Michael Vick trade between the Eagles and Jets. The Butt Fumble, the signature play of Sanchez s career with the Jets, didn t play very well on Broadway, so you can imagine how the tough Philly fans on Broad Street would react to such an iconic event happening in their town and to their beloved Eagles. The Browns, Rams and Titans had initially been mentioned as having some interest in Sanchez, which could have set up a Sanchez bidding war, as preposterous as that may sound. 10 P a g e

11 But those teams backed off. Even the Giants were tossed around a bit Monday as having Sanchez on their minds as Eli Manning s backup, but if it was ever true, they forgot about it quickly. Sanchez isn t expected to make his first visit until the end of this week or the beginning of next week the owners, GMs and head coaches are at the league meetings here until Wednesday and it s likely he will be heading down the Jersey Turnpike to Philly to meet with the Eagles. If Sanchez s surgically repaired shoulder checks out with team doctors he s throwing at 80%, say sources he could be signed quickly by the Eagles. No team has asked him to throw yet. Even though Sanchez wanted to stay with the Jets, team sources say they felt too much had happened to bring him back, even with all the time and money they had invested in him. Is Philly the best spot for Sanchez to resurrect his career, which has skidded off the tracks after he helped the Jets to consecutive AFC title game appearances in his first two years? He would play for Chip Kelly, the latest offensive genius in the NFL. Kelly s fast-break offense would be a good fit for Sanchez, who was more effective the times he ran the hurry-up with the Jets when Brian Schottenheimer was the offensive coordinator. First, however, Sanchez needs to get on the field. Nick Foles led the Eagles to the NFC East title last season with 27 TDs and two INTs after twice taking over for Vick, who was forced out of both games against the Giants with hamstring injuries. Even if he s not the long-term answer for Kelly, the job belongs to him in 2014 in a season when the Eagles will be considered a potential Super Bowl team. Foles suffered a concussion last year, which kept him out of the second Giants game. Otherwise, he was durable. Sanchez would not be brought in to challenge Foles for the starting job, but would have to beat out fellow Southern Cal QB Matt Barkley for the backup role. That should not be a problem. Barkley, a rookie, came into a close game in the fourth quarter against Dallas after Foles was hurt last season and threw INTs on all three of his possessions. Sanchez, even with all those turnovers over his last two years with the Jets, is superior to Barkley. Sanchez was much better with the Jets his first two years than the next two years when the talent around him deteriorated. Philly has plenty of offensive weapons. For now, they still have DeSean Jackson he could be traded or cut to go along with Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper at wide receiver, Brent Celek and Zach Ertz at tight end and running backs LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles. If Sanchez does get an opportunity to play for the Eagles, he might be confused. Would he know how to react with so much talent around him? Sanchez needs to find a soft landing spot after the misery of the last couple of seasons. He had to deal with the Tim Tebow nonsense in 2012 and then last summer Rex Ryan put him into the fourth quarter of the third preseason game behind a backup offensive line it was garbage time and he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury that required surgery. He was in the process of beating out Geno Smith when he was injured. The Jets waited until 10 days into free agency to cut Sanchez. It was a confluence of two events last Friday: They signed Vick and they were four days away from owing Sanchez a $2 million roster bonus. By then, many of the backup jobs had been filled. The Browns, coached by former Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, who always liked Sanchez, could be the best fit. Even though Cleveland could take a quarterback with the fourth overall pick on May 8, Sanchez could start there for one year and then, if he played well, parlay that into a better job in But if the Browns had initial interest, they retreated. 11 P a g e

12 The Rams don t have a backup quarterback who has thrown a pass in the NFL and with Sam Bradford coming off ACL surgery and Schottenheimer the offensive coordinator in St. Louis, Sanchez could have a quick path to the field, but after coach Jeff Fisher said there was some interest, the Rams have backed off. That leaves Philly by default, unless another team steps up in the next few days. If nothing else, Sanchez could have fun watching Kelly s offense. METRO NEW YORK Report: Eagles looking to sign former Jets QB Mark Sanchez (Mark Osborne) Metro New York Mark Sanchez is no longer the Jets problem. But he may not be moving more than a few exits down I- 95. ESPN s Chris Mortensen reported Monday afternoon the Eagles were nearing an agreement with the former Jets quarterback, who was released on Friday, pending a physical. Later reports indicated Sanchez would be meeting with Philadelphia, but was not ready to sign a deal yet. Any deal would be predicated on passing a physical, especially since Sanchez underwent major shoulder surgery last fall. He injured his right, throwing shoulder being sacked by Marvin Austin of the Giants in the team s third preseason game. Sanchez was leading the quarterback competition over rookie Geno Smith at the time. The move would in essence be a swap between backup quarterbacks, as the Jets signed former Eagles quarterback Michael Vick to a one-year, $5 million deal on Friday. Nick Foles is the starter in Philadelphia. They already have a fellow USC quarterback on the roster in Matt Barkley, who was a rookie last season. Sanchez was the fifth overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. He was in his five seasons with the Jets, though he did not play in He led the Jets to the AFC Championship game in his first two seasons, but lost both times. Jets notes The NFL released compensatory draft picks on Monday based on free agency. The Jets received a fourth-rounder (No. 137) and three sixth-rounders (Nos. 209, 210, 213). MONDAY S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS Associated Press BASEBALL 12 P a g e

13 Major League Baseball MLB Suspended Tampa Bay RHP Alex Colome 50 games after testing positive for Boldenone. American League BALTIMORE ORIOLES Traded INF Alex Gonzalez to Detroit for INF Steve Lombardozzi. Designated C Johnny Monell for assignment. CHICAGO WHITE SOX Agreed to terms with LHP Jose Quintana on a five-year contract. CLEVELAND INDIANS Optioned RHP Trevor Bauer and RHP C.C. Lee to Columbus (IL). Reassigned INFs David Cooper and Bryan LaHair to minor league camp. Placed OF Michael Bourn on the 15-day DL, retroactive to March 21. HOUSTON ASTROS Optioned RHP Josh Zeid to Oklahoma City (PCL). Reassigned OF Adron Chambers and C Rene Garcia to minor league camp. Released INF Cesar Izturis. KANSAS CITY ROYALS Optioned OF Jimmy Paredes to Omaha (PCL). Assigned RHP Jon Rauch and C Adam Moore to minor league camp. MINNESOTA TWINS Optioned RHPs Ryan Pressly and Michael Tonkin and C Chris Herrmann to Rochester (IL). Reassigned LHPs Matt Hoffman and Aaron Thompson, RHP Deolis Guerra, OF Wilkin Ramirez and INFs Doug Bernier and Deibinson Romero to minor league camp. Granted RHP Matt Guerrier his unconditional release. TORONTO BLUE JAYS Optioned OF Anthony Gose to Buffalo (IL). Assigned C Mike Nickeas and INFs Chris Getz and Steve Tolleson to minor league camp. National League ATLANTA BRAVES Optioned LHP Ryan Buchter and OFs Jose Constanza and Joey Terdoslavich to Gwinnett (IL). Reassigned INFs Tyler Greene and Tommy La Stella to Gwinnett. Granted RHP Freddy Garcia his unconditional release. MILWAUKEE BREWERS Waived 1B/3B Juan Francisco for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release. NEW YORK METS Named Luis Natera assistant hitting coach. SAN DIEGO PADRES Optioned RHP Jesse Hahn to San Antonio (PCL). Reassigned C Austin Hedges to minor league camp. WASHINGTON NATIONALS Reassigned RHP Blake Treinen to minor league camp. American Association GRAND PRAIRIE AIR HOGS Traded RHP Josh Strawn to Laredo for OF John Allen. LINCOLN SALTDOGS Released RHP Danny Meszaros. Atlantic League LONG ISLAND DUCKS Signed LHP Matt Way. Can-Am League NEW JERSEY JACKALS Signed RHP Shaun Ellis. QUEBEC CAPITALES Signed RHP Joey Housey. 13 P a g e

14 TROIS-RIVIERES AIGLES Signed LHP Alex Burkard. BASKETBALL National Basketball Association PHILADELPHIA 76ERS Signed G Casper Ware to a 10-day contract. Women's National Basketball Association CONNECTICUT SUN Signed G Katie Douglas to a two-year contract. FOOTBALL National Football League CINCINNATI BENGALS Signed CB R.J. Stanford. CLEVELAND BROWNS Agreed to terms with OL Paul McQuistan. PITTSBURGH STEELERS Signed LB Arthur Moats to a one-year contract. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS Re-signed WR Kassim Osgood to a one-year contract. HOCKEY National Hockey League CAROLINA HURRICANES Signed D Justin Faulk to a six-year contract extension. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS Recalled D Tim Erixon from Springfield (AHL). Returned D Frederic St. Denis on loan to Springfield. DALLAS STARS Recalled F Dustin Jeffrey from Texas (AHL). Reassigned F Chris Mueller to Texas. DETROIT RED WINGS Recalled LW Mitch Callahan from Grand Rapids (AHL). Assigned C Landon Ferraro to Grand Rapids. FLORIDA PANTHERS Reassigned LW Garrett Wilson to San Antonio (AHL). OTTAWA SENATORS Reassigned G Andrew Hammond to Binghamton (AHL). SOCCER Major League Soccer COLUMBUS CREW Announced the resignation of president Mark McCullers, effective April 30. COLLEGE BOWLING GREEN Named Chris Jans men's basketball coach. CARSON-NEWMAN Announced the resignation of men's golf coach John Minor. DAYTON Signed men's basketball coach Archie Miller to a contract extension through the season. MINNESOTA STATE-MANKATO Named Bryant Black men's associate head golf coach. PENN Named M. Grace Calhoun athletic director, effective July 1. WEST VIRGINIA Announced men's sophomore basketball G Eron Harris plans to transfer. 14 P a g e