Sanchez: I Don’t Know Where This Stuff Comes From


Photo by: Jeff Fusco.

Photo by: Jeff Fusco.

Mark Sanchez sat at his locker after practice Monday afternoon and addressed rumors that the Rams could be interested in acquiring his services.

“I’m not gonna deal with hypotheticals,” he said. “I’m an Eagle. I love being an Eagle. That’s really all I’m gonna say about it.

“People can’t wait [for the season to start] so they start circulating all these trade rumors and all that stuff. That’s just the way it goes. Like I said, I’ve seen just about everything. …I don’t know where all this stuff comes from.”

Told that the questions have surfaced because of Sam Bradford’s injury and because of the way Sanchez has performed in the preseason, he said, “There’s a ton of quarterbacks. Talk about somebody else.”

Asked about his relationship with Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, Sanchez said: “Oh yeah, we’re fine. I haven’t talked to Schottey in awhile, but just a text every once in awhile the last three, four years. Just to say good luck and see how he’s doing.”

Pat Shurmur, meanwhile, offered his take earlier.

“Those are just issues of the day, fun things for you guys to think about. Mark was in the meeting today,” he said with a smile.

“Sure, I think everybody should be interested in Mark. I think he’s done a good job and played well for us and he’s won a lot of football games in the league.  I’ve said it before, but he was sitting in the locker room at halftime of two AFC Championship Games, ahead. So we are very glad we have him.  I think he’s added a lot to this team as a football player and as a professional, and you know, we’re ‑‑ sure, a lot of people should want him.  But we have him, so that’s the reality.”

Asked last week if he would be open to dealing Sanchez, Chip Kelly responded, “What are you giving me?” The head coach has stated on a number of occasions how important it is to have two quality quarterback options on your roster. Given that Matt Barkley hasn’t distinguished himself as a reliable option yet, chances are it would take a whole lot for the Eagles to decide to part ways with their No. 2.

“Oh, I think [having a good second QB] is hugely important,” said Shurmur. “You see time and time and time again where the backup is thrust into a starting role, we’re watching it happen in St. Louis now.  Unfortunately,  Sam [Bradford] got hurt for the year, so [Rams QB Shaun] Hill is in and he’s got to go.  That’s why the development of the quarterbacks is very, very important.”

Two kickers released

A couple kickers came onto the market today. The Cardinals cut veteran Jay Feely, opting instead for rookie Chandler Catanzaro. The 38-year-old missed a field goal in Sunday’s preseason game. The Bills parted ways with Dustin Hopkins, who lost his kicker battle with Dan Carpenter. We wrote more extensively on Hopkins and the kicker situation here. 

Sheil Kapadia contributed to this article.