Mark Sanchez and Michael Vick might pass each other on I-95.
The Eagles and Sanchez have a mutual interest, according to a source, and Philadelphia has the “edge” over the other teams interested in the former Jets quarterback.
Sanchez officially became a free agent Monday afternoon when the paperwork was filed with the league office. He was released by the Jets with an injury designation, meaning he would not be able to play right now because of his surgically repaired shoulder.
The shoulder could be the only issue holding up a deal with the Eagles, who want their doctors to examine Sanchez before they agree to sign him, the source said, adding that nothing had been agreed to yet.
The Jets and Eagles are basically swapping backup quarterbacks. Gang Green dumped Sanchez on Friday night after signing former Eagles quarterback Michael Vick.
Sanchez would go to Philadelphia as Nick Foles’ backup. Eagles coach Chip Kelly was the offensive coordinator at Oregon when Sanchez played at USC. Matt Barkley, another former Trojans quarterback, also plays for the Eagles. Foles is also from the Pac-12, having playing his college ball at Arizona.
The source said several teams have expressed interest in Sanchez. Rams coach Jeff Fisher admitted to USA Today his team was interested in Sanchez. The NFL Network reported the Giants were interested, but a source said that was not a likely destination for Sanchez.
When asked Monday at the league meetings in Orlando, Fla., Giants general manager Jerry Reese told The Post’s Bart Hubbuch, “First I’ve heard of that. But you never say never.”
Sanchez said goodbye to Jets fans on Monday. He tweeted out a link to a letter to Jets fans, thanking them for their support during his five seasons with the team.
“Playing quarterback for the Jets has been the thrill of my young career,” Sanchez wrote.
“We shared some incredible moments together that I’ll never forget,” he wrote, adding he “gave everything I had to win the Lombardi Trophy.”
Sanchez thanked his teammates as well. He also mentioned Aiden Binkley, a young fan who had a rare form of cancer and met Sanchez in 2010. The two formed a friendship before Aiden died on Dec. 30, 2010.
“I only regret that we couldn’t bring it home for all of us to share, especially for those guys in the locker room and for my friend Aiden,” Sanchez wrote.
Fisher is the only coach to publicly say his team is interested in Sanchez. The Rams make sense since their offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer, served in the same role with the Jets during Sanchez’s first three seasons.
“I’d say that there is interest. I can’t say how much. But there certainly would be interest,’’ Fisher told the newspaper at the league meetings. “I don’t have a backup with experience on the roster right now.’’
Sam Bradford, the Rams’ starting quarterback, is coming back from ACL surgery. At the moment, his backup is the inexperienced Austin Davis.
It could be the best landing spot for Sanchez. He would be reunited with Schottenhemier and could get a chance to start if Bradford gets injured again or stumbles.
“Brian had a good relationship with Mark,’’ Fisher said. “He’s just learning. He’s been to the AFC Championship Game a couple of times, so he’s been there.’’