Despite Rumors, Mark Sanchez Trade Still Unlikely
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Mark Sanchez has been nearly perfect in three preseason games as the Eagles backup quarterback this summer. Sanchez joined Chip Kelly and the Eagles offense this offseason after four up-and-down seasons with the Jets, and it seems like a perfect change of scenery for both parties.
Sanchez is slated to be the backup to Nick Foles in 2014, and it's exactly where Sanchez wants to be. According to a USA Today report, there is "no chance" Sanchez would welcome playing anywhere other than Philly.
This report came on the heels of a devastating injury over the weekend, when St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford tore his left ACL (the same injury that cost him nine games in 2013) in Saturday night's preseason game.
This isn't the first time we have heard Sanchez trade rumors (probably not the last time either), but with Bradford out for the season and Sanchez's former offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer now in St. Louis, the speculation has begun---fair or not.
Rams coach Jeff Fisher, of course, is going to be deliberate in his plan to replace Bradford.
"It makes no sense to jump and react right now and try to fill the hole, whatever it costs," Fisher said. "We're going to take our time and evaluate this. There's going to be some quarterbacks that are getting released and there may or may not be some quarterbacks that have trade value. We just don't know. It's way too soon."
In today's NFL, it's rare your starting quarterback plays 16 games and the value of having a solid backup continues to increase. Sanchez has completed 25-31 passes for 281 yards, two touchdowns, and one interceptions in three preseason games with the Eagles. Maybe more importantly, Sanchez is finally embracing his environment and looks comfortable in Kelly's offense.
Despite the rumors, it's still safe to expect Sanchez in midnight green, hopefully on the sidelines, this season.
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