Hatin' on Peyton, Jets Give Mark Sanchez 3-Year Extension

Just hours ago, New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum ultimately put an end to the speculation of Peyton Manning coming to the Big Apple. Through a conference call with reporters, Tannenbaum announced that the team would be extending the contract of quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Terms of the contract include a three-year extension worth $58.25 million, with $20.5 million in guaranteed money over the next two years. Sanchez was included in the conference call, and he expressed his gratitude and dedication to the franchise that made him the fifth overall pick of the 2009 NFL draft:

""To find out I can come back for three more years means the world to me. I'm absolutely pleased to be a Jet ... Now it's time to get to work.""

Sanchez struggled this past season, quarterbacking the Jets to a disappointing 8-8 finish. After leading the Jets to back-to-back AFC championship games in 2009 and 2010, Sanchez was unable to take the next step in 2011. He finished with career highs in touchdowns (26) but also in turnovers as well (26). There was also a well documented mid-season feud with wide receiver Santonio Holmes that many believe was the reason for the Jets' late-season collapse.

However, the Jets did the right thing here. Sanchez's body of work over his first three seasons cannot go unnoticed, and the team's decision to extend him shows their complete faith in his ability to play quarterback and lead this franchise. Without extending him, especially after their interest in Peyton Manning became well known, the Jets may have done irreversible damage to Sanchez's psyche.

Most importantly, it keeps the Jets out of the Peyton Manning circus. With free agency about to kick off, the Jets have far bigger issues besides the quarterback position that need to be addressed. After a putrid 2011 performance, the offensive line needs to be improved, as well as their wide receiver corps and front seven on the defensive end.

Now that the organization has fully committed to Sanchez, it can move forward in building the Jets into a legitimate contender again.