New York Jets: Mark Sanchez and the 5 Most Overpaid Players on the Roster

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Many players on the New York Jets roster performed well below expectations during the team's disappointing 8-8 season.

However, the biggest busts were the ones that were earning more than their performance on the field.

The following five players did not live up to their 2011 salaries, and need to take a significant pay cut this offseason, or be released altogether.

Mark Sanchez

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2011 Salary: $14,750,000

Despite struggling for long durations over his roller coaster three-year career, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is one of the highest paid players in the league today.

The USC product has benefited from a monster rookie contract he signed back in 2009, which promised him over $50 million through five years.

The deal made Sanchez the highest paid player in team history. 

The 25-year-old performed well below his salary this season, as he committed a staggering 26 turnovers, while failing to reach the postseason for the first time in his career.

Sanchez simply does not deserve to be earning elite quarterback money, and he needs to take a significant pay cut this offseason. 

Bart Scott

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2011 Salary: $3,900,000

Bart Scott is one of the most overrated players in the league today. The former Pro Bowler's big mouth garners him plenty of media hype, but his play on the field is average at best.

Scott is only on the field for about half of the defensive plays, despite being the one of the highest paid players on the roster.

The former Ravens star has had a steady decline as he reaches his mid 30s, and he is simply not worth the money he is earning anymore.

Thankfully, Scott will likely be released this offseason. 

Santonio Holmes

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2011 Salary: $1,000,000

Santonio Holmes 2011 salary was not huge, but the controversial wide receiver is due to make nearly $50 million over the next five seasons, with $24 million guaranteed.

The former Super Bowl MVP regressed significantly in his second year with the team, as he caught just 51 passes for 654 yards. He failed to live up to the hype of his new contract, and he was consistently shut down by opposing defenses.

Holmes was also a cancer in the locker room, as he was part of numerous heated exchanges with teammates.

Jets fans are cringing their teeth at the thought of Holmes earning big bucks for the next four years. 

Wayne Hunter

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2011 Salary: $1,500,000

Signing Wayne Hunter to a four-year deal last offseason was one of the biggest mistakes Mike Tannenbaum has made as Jets general manager. 

Hunter has been one of the worst right tackles in the league over the past year, as he has been a liability in both pass protection and run blocking.

The Hawaii product is not cut out to be a starting offensive lineman in the NFL, and the Jets need to get rid of him and his ridiculous salary as soon as possible. 

Antonio Cromartie

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2011 Salary: $1,000,000

Like Santonio Holmes, Antonio Cromartie did not receive a staggering amount of cash in the 2011 season.

However, the cornerback signed a four-year deal last offseason worth a staggering $32 million.

The contract makes Cromartie one of the highest paid cornerbacks in the league.

However, the former Chargers allows too many big plays to be paid like an elite cornerback. He often struggles when matched up with physical receivers, and he is an awful tackler. 

Cromartie is another player the Jets regret paying last offseason.