Mark Sanchez Rumors: Jets Must Cut QB as Future Is with Geno Smith

The New York Jets must get rid of Mark Sanchez, period.

Along with veteran David Garrard, the Jets have West Virginia's Geno Smith for training-camp competition. In addition, Brian Costello of the New York Post writes that Gang Green can save some cash by parting ways:

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The Jets are saying Sanchez will compete for the starting job, but it seems unlikely they will keep him around. He would carry a $17 million salary cap hit, but the team could designate Sanchez a post-June 1 cut to save on salary cap space. He would then count $12.3 million against the cap in 2013, less than he would if he is on the roster, and $4.7 million in 2014.

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ESPN.com's Adam Schefter also tweeted about Sanchez and Smith on Friday:

Now factor in the addition of Smith.

This is a quarterback that tossed 97 touchdowns to a mere 20 interceptions from 2010 through 2012. Plus, he sported a 71.2 completion percentage last fall.

Now although the Mountaineers definitely provided Smith with excellent talents in Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey, every receiver needs a consistent signal-caller to laser the rock through each level of coverage.

Even with Austin and Bailey racking up incredible yards after the catch, Smith displayed solid decision making. That is, at the very least, what a quarterback must provide. As for Sanchez, he constantly struggled with decision making.

When coach Rex Ryan and Co. relied on him more in 2011 and 2012, the Jets unsurprisingly missed the postseason.

The two straight AFC title-game appearances occurred primarily because the Jets fielded an elite defense and rushing offense. Case and point: Sanchez need not survey too often, as the ground game punished consistently.

Include a defense that shut down explosive offenses and significantly helped win the field-position battle, and well, any other NFL quarterback would have equaled Sanchez's impact in 2009 and 2010. With Smith possessing franchise potential, Jets fans not only get to look forward to a fresh change, but the guy has confidence.

In an article by Conor Orr of the Star-Ledger, Smith stated on his expectations after getting selected:

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I do believe (I'm a franchise quarterback). For a number of reasons, but the main thing is, I'm going to come into practice, I'm going to come in and work, compete daily and I'm going to also do my best and better my teammates in order to win Super Bowls.

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Regardless of what happens in terms of the Jets' quarterback situation, it certainly appears to be the end of Sanchez's days under center.