New York, NY (Sports Network) - After the New York Jets were eliminated from
postseason contention with Monday's loss at Tennessee, coach Rex Ryan decided
to change quarterbacks.
Out went Mark Sanchez and the starter for Sunday's home finale against San
Diego will be ... Greg McElroy, who could be the lone holdover at the
quarterback position for the Jets next season.
A report Wednesday in the New York Daily News indicated that Tim Tebow, who
spent this season as Sanchez's backup, would likely request a trade or ask for
his release if he did not get a chance to play in the final two games.
ESPN New York cited league sources as saying that the Jets plan to part ways
with Tebow after the season.
The Daily News later reported the Jets could also explore trade options for
Sanchez, although making a deal might be difficult since he is due a
guaranteed $8.25 million for 2013.
McElroy has been inactive for all but one game this season, but he got a
chance to relieve an ineffective Sanchez in a Week 13 game against Arizona and
led the Jets to their lone touchdown in a 7-6 win.
Sanchez's five-turnover effort on Monday against the Titans prompted Ryan's
decision to change quarterbacks and Tebow was apparently unhappy with being
bypassed.
"Sometimes things just happen out of your control and obviously you might not
be pleased with them or happy about it, but you just try to handle it as best
you can," Tebow said Wednesday at his locker.
While Tebow said he has not yet asked for a trade, he did say he would "talk
about that after the season."
Tebow was acquired from Denver in one of the most hyped trades for a backup
quarterback in NFL history. It was thought he would give the Jets an added
dimension on offense, but he has rarely been used.
The former Heisman Trophy winner has appeared in 11 games this season and has
completed 6-of-8 passes for a mere 39 yards while also rushing for 102 yards
on 32 carries. He has been on the field for 70 offensive snaps.
Sanchez helped the Jets to a pair of AFC Championship Game appearances in his
first two seasons, but has struggled for most of the past two years. He has
completed just 54.8 percent of his passes this season for 2,678 yards with 13
touchdowns and 17 interceptions. His 24 turnovers lead the NFL.
"It's been a tough (season)," said Sanchez on Wednesday, "but we have two
games left and we're really focused on just going out and playing well,
playing for a little bit of pride here, trying to get back to .500. And
whatever that means for me personally, just helping Greg as much as I can and
then be ready for my next shot."
Sanchez added he hasn't thought about his future as a Jet, but wants to stay
with the team that selected him with the fifth overall pick of the 2009 draft.
The Sports Network