Mark Sanchez’s Roster Spot Could Be In Danger If He Can’t Secure Backup Job

On Monday, Broncos HC Gary Kubiak announced that Trevor Siemian will get the start in Saturday’s preseason game against the Rams.

According to Kubiak, he expected the quarterback competition to go this long. The plan for Kubiak is to make a decision next week regarding the team’s starter for Week 1.

“No, I expected it,’’ Kubiak said. “We’ve got three quarterbacks, two of which weren’t on this team last year. One has one regular-season snap. So I knew this was going to take some time and I think it’s a credit to them in how well they’ve battled and pushed each other. It’s down to the nitty gritty here – I don’t have to but I’m going to make a decision next week.’’

It’s clear that Denver wants to see more from Siemian with the first-team offense, but this creates an interesting situation for Mark Sanchez. 

Mike Klis of 9News writes that Sanchez will need to at least hold off Paxton Lynch for the No. 2 job or he could be a cap casualty for the Broncos.

Sanchez carries a $4.5 million salary for the 2016 season, which Klis believes could be too much for the Broncos to pay for a No. 3 quarterback.

On top of that, Adam Schefter points out that the Broncos traded a conditional 2017 seventh-round pick for Sanchez, which means they could keep the selection if he’s unable to make the team.

Jimmy Kempski has a full breakdown of the trade with the Eagles for Sanchez. According to Kempski, the Eagles would get a sixth-round pick if Sanchez starts at least four games for the Broncos. Although, Philadelphia would technically receive the Titans’ sixth-round pick in 2017, as the Broncos don’t own their own sixth-rounder next year.

Sanchez, 29, is in the final year of his two-year, $9 million contract that includes $5.5 million guaranteed. He stands to make a base salary of $4.5 million for the 2016 season.

According to OverTheCap.com, releasing Sanchez would free up $3.5 million in available cap space while creating $1 million in dead money.

In 2015, Sanchez appeared in four games for the Eagles and threw for 616 yards while completing 64.8 percent of his passes to go along with four touchdowns and four interceptions.