Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez has signed a five-year deal with the New York Jets that could be worth up to $60million.
Jets splash the cash to agree rookie contract with USC quarterback
Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez has signed a five-year contract with the New York Jets that could be worth up to $60million.
The Jets made a surprising move during the NFL Draft and traded up to grab the talented University of Southern California quarterback as their first pick in April.
The 22-year-old has agreed a deal worth around $50m, $28m of that guaranteed money, but which could reach up to $60m with incentives.
Sanchez says he wanted to sign his contract as soon as possible to avoid any stalemate between the two parties, and to enable him to concentrate on winning the starting job in New York.
"This is a really special day for me and my family," Sanchez, said at the Jets' training camp.
Thrilled
"We're thrilled about the deal and I think the Jets are, too. So that's exactly what you want. Both of us on the same page and a great relationship and hopefully the first of many.
"Obviously, I'm thankful to the Jets and the organisation here but this is just the beginning and that comes with a lot of responsibility, just like being the quarterback here.
"And I'll be working every day on and off the field to justify this contract.
"It sends the right message. It's not in my make-up to hold out like that. That would've just been terrible for me.
"This just eliminates that whole factor. I'll be there Day One, ready to go and compete. It's going to be a good time and a competitive time."
Inexperience
Sanchez went 14-2 overall as USC's starting quarterback, including a Rose Bowl victory over Penn State at the end of his only full season as starter.
Against the advice of coach Pete Carroll, Sanchez opted to jump straight into the NFL and give up on his final year in college, and his inexperience is the major downside according to many experts.
The deal could eventually be the most lucrative ever given to a rookie by the New York Jets, but general manager Mike Tannenbaum said the team were happy with the way it had worked out.
"I'm really comfortable with the agreement," Tannenbaum said in a statement. "I think it's good for Mark and I think it's good for us as well."
Sanchez will now battle it out with Kellen Clemens to start the new season under centre at the Meadowlands, but after handing out such a big contract the rookie is thought to be the one Rex Ryan will put his faith in come September.
