The Broncos haven’t asked quarterback Mark Sanchez to accept a pay cut as of yet, reports Troy Renck of Denver7. However, the idea of doing so has “surfaced as a possibility,” according to Renck.
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Although Denver hasn’t yet announced its starting quarterback, it’s become apparent that Trevor Siemian will be under center when the Broncos open the season in Week 1. As such, it’s unlikely that Sanchez is a fit for the Denver roster unless he’s the backup signal-caller. With first-round pick Paxton Lynch pushing him for that role, Sanchez could soon find himself released, as his cap hit isn’t palatable for a No. 3 QB.
While Siemian is only due to earn a minimum salary during the upcoming season, Sanchez is scheduled to count $4.5MM on Denvers’ salary cap, $1MM of which is guaranteed. Sanchez can also earn another $3MM through incentives, but the Broncos could clear $3.5MM off their books by releasing him before the start of the season.
Sanchez is likely to accept any pay cut overture, according to Mike Klis of 9NEWS, who notes that no outside quarterback option would be more familiar with head coach Gary Kubiak‘s system. Other scenarios include outright release or a trade, and Klis lists the Cowboys and Seahawks as potential suitors. A deal is unlikely however, because an acquiring club would not only have to take on Sanchez’s salary, but ship a seventh-round pick to the Eagles as a condition of the trade that originally sent Sanchez to Denver.
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