Fansided

Denver Broncos release quarterback Mark Sanchez

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Sep 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Denver Broncos are cutting down their quarterback depth, and will reportedly be releasing Mark Sanchez.

Around the 2016 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos traded for Mark Sanchez from the Philadelphia Eagles to somewhat ease their quarterback situation. They lost future NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning to retirement, and Brock Osweiler departed for the Houston Texans. The latter had been groomed to be Denver’s future signal-caller.

Well, plans changed as the 2016 preseason progressed. The Broncos announced Trevor Siemian as the starting quarterback, leaving Sanchez in a rut. It seemed his roster spot could be in jeopardy, which turned out to be the case, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the 2009 first round pick will be released.

Sanchez struggled in the preseason. He didn’t stand out in either of the two games he played in, throwing for barely over 200 yards on 300 pass attempts. The Broncos didn’t play him in Week 3 and 4. While Siemian didn’t stand out much either, he’s the younger of the two and may possess more upside that intrigues the Broncos.

However, the real winner here may be Paxton Lynch. If Siemian doesn’t impress the coaching staff early on, he may be benched for the 2016 first round pick. The receiver and running back talents are there to make the offense succeed, it’s just a matter of these young quarterbacks being able to learn.

As for Sanchez, he may look to latch on as a team’s backup or third string quarterback. With teams finalizing their rosters, though, this could be difficult. He may have to wait for an injury midseason to find an opportunity.

The former USC standout’s release marks the second 2015 Eagles quarterback to be moved on Saturday. Philadelphia dealt starter Sam Bradford to the Minnesota Vikings for a 2017 first rounder and a 2018 fourth round selection. If the Vikings look for another quarterback for the depth chart, could they add Sanchez as well?

Next: Every NFL Team's Best Draft Pick Of All-Time

If not, we may not hear Mark Sanchez’s name in an NFL game for a while.

Home/Denver Broncos