As the Jets closed out their final full-team practice before the start of training camp in July, QB Mark Sanchez started minicamp as just another rookie but ended it as the highest paid player in team history.
“It means a lot obviously to my entire family to know that you can take care of the people you love and have supported you this whole time,” said Sanchez after signing a reported $50MM five year contract with $28MM in guaranteed money. “A lot of hard work was put into this, but, for me, it’s only the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more that I want to accomplish and this doesn’t assume that you’re going to be successful. It’s going to take a lot of hard work. I’m fortunate enough to be on a great team.”
After signing the deal last night the Golden Boy was back on the field this morning as the team continued open practice for the fans and close to a thousand spectators showed up to watch the last practice until July 31 when the team goes to SUNY Cortland for training camp.
Despite leading the team to a TD in his final 11-11 series on a nice pass to WR Wallace Wright, Sanchez is still far behind veteran QB Kellen Clemens. Clemens however, who is much more comfortable with the offense, didn’t light it up this week and surely didn’t solidify his status as the starter. It will be interesting to see the battle in training camp as it’s clear that the organization wants Sanchez in battle ASAP.
While the veterans are now free to leave, the rookies have three more OTA practices next week before a six week hiatus that ends on July 31.
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