With the Jets expected to release Mark Sanchez in the offseason, we’re sizing up the five likeliest free-agent destinations for the veteran quarterback, who turns 27 next month:
1. Tampa Bay
One of the few potential starting opportunities, assuming the 0-5 Buccaneers don’t end up with one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft and Greg Schiano somehow survives as coach. With Josh Freeman jettisoned, the current starter is raw-as-a-newborn-calf rookie Mike Glennon.
2. San Diego
Sanchez would have to accept a backup role, but he’s from nearby Mission Viejo, the system is a good fit and the only quarterback under contract beyond this year is Philip Rivers.
3. St. Louis
Sanchez could reunite with ex-Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer (assuming Schottenheimer doesn’t get fired), but he wouldn’t get the chance to start. For better or worse, the Rams are still all-in with Sam Bradford.
4. Jacksonville
The Jaguars are a potential 0-16 finisher and a lock to take a quarterback with their first pick next spring. But the backup spot will be wide open, and Sanchez could even start in the short term so the rookie — Teddy Bridgewater, anyone? — wouldn’t have to be rushed.
5. Oakland
Another West Coast team with a gaping hole on its 2014 depth chart behind starter Terrelle Pryor. And with Pryor’s tendency to get injured, Sanchez could even end up starting.