NFL Free Agency rumors: Mark Sanchez signing with the Chicago Bears
By John Buhler
Free agent quarterback Mark Sanchez has reportedly found a new home for the 2017 NFL season, as he plans to sign with the Chicago Bears.
Despite failing as a starter for the New York Jets, quarterback Mark Sanchez has been one of the most enigmatic backups in the NFL of the last five years. He’s seen as a top-10 backup in the league, though he’s never really torn it up on the field in mop-up duty.
Nevertheless, he keeps it interesting in the quarterback room and will have work in the NFL as a backup for the foreseeable future. After one season with the Dallas Cowboys, it seems that Sanchez has found a new home in Chicago.
According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, “the Bears are expected to sign former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Mark Sanchez” as a means to add “more depth to the quarterback room”.
The #Bears are expected to sign former #Cowboys QB Mark Sanchez, source said. They are finalizing a deal. More depth to the QB room.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 24, 2017
In a matter of days, the Bears saw all three of their starting quarterbacks from last season leave the team. Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley signed with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency. Jay Cutler was released by the Bears and hasn’t found a new team just yet.
Chicago might have considered looking for a quarterback at No. 3 in the 2017 NFL Draft. However, the Bears spent big money on former Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup quarterback Mike Glennon to be their starter. Sanchez can at least push Glennon to be better as a starter, as well as help in the quarterback room.
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While the Bears aren’t expected to sniff the NFC Playoffs this fall, adding Sanchez gives Chicago veteran experience at the position. If he has to come in and start for Glennon at any point, Sanchez can either hold his own or be interesting in defeat. It’s a win-win outside of winning that is.