Jets Finally Release QB Mark Sanchez

In a move which seem destined to happen after Geno Smith became the New York Jets starting quarterback the team has officially released the 2009 fifth overall pick QB Mark Sanchez:

Mark Sanchez has been released.

— New York Jets (@nyjets) March 21, 2014

This move comes as no surprise as Sanchez, injured all of 2013, was set to be cut before a $2 million roster bonus was due on March 25. The Jets gain $8.3 million in salary cap relief by releasing Sanchez.

The New York Jets Media Department has sent out the following on Mark Sanchez release with a statement from head coach Rex Ryan:

Jets Release QB Mark Sanchez

March 21, 2014 – The New York Jets have released QB Mark Sanchez.

Sanchez (6-2/225/Southern California/Mission Viejo, CA) was selected by the Jets with the fifth-overall pick after a 2009 draft-day trade with Cleveland. He started 62 games over his first four seasons, passing for 12,092 yards on 1,028-of-1,867 passing for 68 touchdowns and 69 interceptions. Sanchez spent the 2013 season on injured reserve.

“I’d like to thank Mark for everything he’s done for this team and me personally,” Head Coach Rex Ryan said. “We were rookies together and had some early success, becoming the first rookie head coach/quarterback to go to back-to-back championship games. We experienced a lot together and I really appreciate Mark, he’s a great player, a great teammate and I wish him nothing but the best.”

Dennis Agapito

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