Rex Ryan Says 'Mark Sanchez Is Not Dead' But Won't Commit To QB's Return To Jets

By Aaron Wilson, National Football Post

What's next for New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez after season-ending shoulder surgery?

That's unclear, but it's extremely unlikely his future includes spending more time with the Jets after this season.

"I don't want to get into that," Jets coach Rex Ryan told reporters. "I think he's going to come back 100 percent. That seems to be how the doctors feel. I know for a fact this organization will do everything in its power to see that's a possibility for him. Whether he's here or whatever, our thing is on doing what's best for Mark, which would be to get him healthy."

Rookie quarterback Geno Smith has replaced Sanchez and is playing well.

As for Sanchez, he carries a $13.1 million salary-cap figure. The Jets can get that down by $8.3 million by cutting Sanchez after the season.

"Will he come back? He's under contract, so you guys know more about it than I do," Ryan said. "You look at it, he's under contract. So, fine."

What is Sanchez's Jets legacy?

"Certainly there are things that jump out, but we're acting like he's dead," Ryan said. "Mark Sanchez is not dead. Sanchez is going to be 100 percent healthy, guys. It's not like his career is over. He's going to play again."

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.