New Jets general manager John Idzik is comfortable with having Mark Sanchez on his roster. He just didn’t admit to being comfortable with the quarterback being his starter.
In an appearance on “Boomer & Carton” on WFAN on Monday morning, Idzik answered a variety of questions about his new team and the direction he wants to take an organization that has missed the playoffs the past two seasons. Idzik was asked by Craig Carton, who co-hosts the show with former Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason, if he’s talked with the much maligned Sanchez about his future with the team.
The tight-lipped Idzik admitted that he has spoken with Sanchez, who is set to enter his fifth year in the league.
“I think Mark is ready. I think he’s chomping at the bit,” Idzik said. “He wants to get ready for this new [offensive] coordinator. He’s all about competing. I have a really good feeling about Mark.”
Last year was an unmitigated disaster for Sanchez, who regressed by nearly every barometer. He threw for more interceptions (18) than touchdowns (13) for the second time in his NFL career and the first since his rookie season in 2009. Sanchez was No. 36 in the league according to ESPN’s quarterback rating (QBR), finishing behind five rookies.
Carton asked Idzik if he’s comfortable with Sanchez being quarterback of the Jets, implying that Sanchez would be the starter for next year. Idzik, who preached “competition” last Thursday when he was introduced to the media, hedged his answer in diplomatic fashion.
He didn’t endorse Sanchez as a starter but said he has no problem with him being on the team.
“I’m comfortable with Mark being a Jet,” Idzik said. “I told him, as well, we’re going to add competition. It’s going to help make Mark and everybody else better.”
Sanchez is in the second year of a five-year contract extension he signed with the Jets last March. Even if the Jets wanted to trade him, it is unlikely any team would want a player with a $12.8 million cap hit this upcoming season.
Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer for all your offseason news.
