The New York Jets are still in talks with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers about trading cornerback Darrelle Revis, and now much-maligned Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez' name is being thrown into the mix, according to reports.
Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano has been vocal about bringing competition into training camp for incumbent quarterback Josh Freeman. In March, Schiano was quoted saying, "I've said I believe we can win and achieve all the goals we want with Josh Freeman as our quarterback. But to say you're married, well, nobody is married to anyone in this game. The reality is this is a performance-based game. You've got to win. They're not married to me. You've got to win or I'm not going to be the coach. Everybody in this game gets that.
While Sanchez has been the starter for most of his four NFL seasons, his statistics pale in comparison to Freeman's. Last season Freeman threw for 4,065 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions as his Buccaneers finished 7-9.
Meanwhile, Sanchez only threw for 2,883 yards, 13 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. He was also benched twice for former seventh-round pick Greg McElroy. He also was taken out in the middle of series for Tim Tebow.
Sanchez has only completed 55 percent of his passes once in his four-year careers (56.7 percent in 2011), while Freeman's career average in that category is 58.8 percent. Despite Freeman's statistical edge in almost category, Sanchez owns him in one crucial aspect: wins. Sanchez is four games over .500 in his career and 4-2 in the postseason. Sanchez has been a very solid playoff performer, throwing nine touchdowns and just three interceptions with his completion percentage jumping to 60 percent.
The problems of Sanchez' hefty salary would not be an obstacle to his inclusion in a Revis deal. The Buccaneers have $32.844 million in cap room, which can easily absorb his $8.75 million salary. His current deal expires after the season also, so if things don't work out Tampa Bay can easily cut ties.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
