Nick Foles will always be remembered in Philadelphia. However, the Eagles will not place a franchise tag on the Super Bowl MVP and he will become a free agent. I not only talk about the impact Foles had on the Eagles, but why teams interested in his services should think twice about heavily investing in Foles as a franchise quarterback.
NFL Free Agency
Denver’s Next Sanchize Quarterback? Broncos trade for Mark Sanchez
According to NFL.com the Denver Broncos have traded for Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez sending a 2017 conditional draft pick to Philadelphia. While it still appears that the Broncos are still actively pursuing San Francisco 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick, but have at least added depth with the addition on Sanchez whose cap hit for 2015 will be $4.5 Million.
The fifth overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, Sanchez has had an up
Sanchez is most remembered for the infamous “Butt Fumble”
and down career. His most famous moment on the field was the infamous “Butt Fumble” when he ran in Brandon Moore’s backside. In his NFL career Sanchez has started in 72 games throwing for over 15,000 yards with 86 touchdowns and 84 interceptions. In those 72 starts Sanchez is 37-35 but has a 4 -2 career playoff record.
While Sanchez may not be the best answer at the quarterback position for the Broncos, he at least provides an option for the moment and could be a reliable backup if the Broncos do add another signal caller.
Giving New York Fitz! Jets in a bind with current QB situation
What looked like the perfect marriage is beginning to look like an inevitable divorce. After Ryan Fitzpatrick had a career season with the New York Jets, the 33-year-old quarterback is testing the free agent market much to the chagrin of his former team.
Sources are saying that Fitzpatrick and the Jets are not close in terms of an agreement. The Jets, don’t want to break the bank for the 33 year old journeyman quarterback and do not have the cap space to pay for a rich contract.
On the other hand, Fitzpatrick has seen the quarterback market explode this offseason.
Despite the career season, the New York Jets are smart not to overpay the 33 year old journeyman.
Brock Osweiler, who has started seven games in his career just signed a four year $ 72 Million deal with the Texans while in Philadelphia Sam Bradford’s 11 touchdown and 10 interception earned a $36 Million two year deal. After throwing a career high 31 touchdown in 2015, Fitzpatrick is poised for his last big payday.
While the market for the quarterback seems to be slow and in the Jets favor, one dark horse team in the mix could be the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have a Super Bowl caliber defense and now have a gaping hole at the quarterback position would be a possible destination for the veteran signal caller.
Still, Fitzpatrick’s best seasons have come under Jets’ offensive coordinator Chan Gailey and another year in that system could mean an even better season from Fitz Magic in 2016. However, if another team does come along, it would be disastrous for the Jets.
What direction would they go in? Back to Geno Smith? Bryce Petty? This year’s draft? Trade for Colin Kapernick? Try to revitalize RG III? All of these options are less then ideal for a team that has the potential to be a contender. Given that the young quarterbacks on the roster or in this upcoming draft puts the Jets in a tough position. The problem is only exacerbated by less then ideal veterans options whose baggage and contracts outweigh the upside. The Jets are also smart not investing a ton of money in someone that is not going to be the franchise quarterback for the long-term.
Either way if the Fitz Magic has officially run out, then general manager Mike Maccagnan will have to perform his own magic trick to salavage the quarterback position for next season.
Michael Vick in Buffalo?
“We will make the playoffs” has been what new Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan has boldly claimed this entire offseason. There’s good reason why Ryan is once again pounding his chest and spewing his usual bravado. The defensive mastermind takes over the best defensive unit statistically last season and a defense which led the NFL in sacks. With Ryan’s scheme and the Bills talent on defense Ryan should fill confident that he has a championship caliber defense.
However, Ryan forgets that you also need an offense and most specifically a quarterback. If this training camp has proven anything, the Bills have a major quarterback problem. Both Matt Cassel and E.J. Manuel have not shown good leadership and have not exactly done anything to prove they should be the starter. With Manuel’s career flirting with being a bust, the Bills need some stability at quarterback.
The answer to this problem could be Michael Vick. Why? Vick already has worked with Lesean McCoy already in Philadelphia and Ryan last year in New York. While his best playing days are behind Vick at the age of 35, he still could have some gas in the tank and would be a veteran presence in the huddle. His ability to run the read-option would also help McCoy in the running game by giving the explosive back more space to run.
Last season it was clear that Ryan wanted to start Vick in New York but was told by the former front office to play and try to develop Geno Smith. It was obvious that Ryan felt Vick gave his team the best chance to win and in limited time with New York last year Vick proved he had some football left.
Vick at this point in his career isn’t going to carry the Bills, but he would give them a veteran quarterback whose big arm would stretch the field with Sammy Watkins and improve the running game. He might not be the best option, but he would be the best option for Buffalo. Don’t be surprised if Vick is under center for the Bills week one, especially if their current quarterbacks continue to be incumbent throughout the preseason.
Rich Sports Talk 