New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez elected to undergo season-ending surgery on his shoulder and will likely be released after the season. While the quarterback competition has thinned for Geno Smith, there's still the possibility of Smith being benched for Matt Simms if the rookie's struggles continue.
Although Sanchez knows surgery is inevitable, he hopes to wait another week or two before undergoing the procedure, NFL.com reports. Once the surgery is performed, Sanchez will be sidelined for four to six months.
The surgery likely marks the end of Sanchez's career with the Jets. Since the offseason hiring of general manager John Idzik and the subsequent second-round selection of Smith, Sanchez's time in New York has appeared headed to an end.
Sanchez has two years remaining on his contract, but it's probable the 26-year-old would have been cut before the 2013 season if not for his guaranteed salary. Because his contract becomes nonguaranteed after this season, it's almost certain Sanchez will be released in 2014.
Sanchez appears ready for that possibility. By choosing to undergo surgery sooner rather than later, he could be fully recovered by March for the start of free agency.
Just because Sanchez is gone, however, doesn't necessarily mean Smith's job is safe. Although Smith has continually shown improvement from week to week, Sunday's blowout by the Tennessee Titans was a major step back in the rookie's progression. Smith completed 23-of-34 passes for 289 yards and one touchdown, but committed four turnovers - two interceptions and two lost fumbles.
The Jets lost, 38-13.
On the heels of Smith's dismal performance, Jets coach Rex Ryan on Monday offered his assurance that Smith would remain the starter and said benching Smith "(isn't) a thought at this point right now."
Ryan did concede, via ESPN, that Smith's play needed to improve: "It has to get better. It can't be just we talk about it. We have to see it."
It's a given Smith needs time to adjust to the NFL's learning curve. Although Smith struggled against Tennessee, Ryan didn't bench him, seemingly to avoid another quarterback controversy. That doesn't mean it won't eventually happen.
Ryan is on the hot seat. In a last ditch effort to save his job, the coach could swap Smith for Simms. The Jets are reportedly using this season to evaluate whether Smith can be a franchise quarterback, but Ryan might not have the luxury of another year.
ARTICLE: Is Matt Simms the future?
