Mark Sanchez has moved down I-95.
The former Jets quarterback passed his physical with the Eagles on Thursday, and officially signed with Philadelphia on Friday morning.
Sanchez signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract that can reach $4 million with incentives, according to a source.
Sanchez, who spent five seasons with the Jets, flew to Philadelphia on Wednesday night and met with the Eagles doctors and team officials Thursday. He is recovering from October surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He also had minor knee surgery.
The medical exam was the final hurdle for the two sides to clear after they showed mutual interest Monday when Sanchez’s release from the Jets became official.
The move completes an interesting swap of quarterbacks for the Jets and Eagles. Gang Green signed 33-year-old Michael Vick last Friday and released Sanchez shortly after. Vick is expected to compete with Geno Smith for the Jets starting quarterback job.
Sanchez, 27, spent four seasons as the Jets starter after the team traded up to draft him with the fifth overall pick in 2009. He helped the Jets to consecutive appearances in the AFC Championship Game in his first two seasons, but his production slipped as the team deteriorated around him. Things bottomed out in 2012 when he had Tim Tebow over his shoulder and turned the ball over 26 times, most memorably in the “Buttfumble” on Thanksgiving night against the Patriots. Sanchez missed the entire 2013 season after suffering his shoulder injury in the fourth quarter of a preseason game.
With the Eagles, Sanchez will be the backup to Nick Foles. Matt Barkley and G.J. Kinne are the only other quarterbacks on Philadelphia’s roster.
Sanchez leaves the Jets sixth all-time in passing yardage (12,092), touchdowns (68) and completions (1,028). He is fourth all-time in team history with 69 interceptions. His four playoff wins are the most by any Jets quarterback.
The Jets may see Sanchez in a few months. While the preseason schedule has not been announced yet, the Eagles and Jets traditionally play the final preseason game against each other. The starters usually don’t play. So, Sanchez may start against his former team.