The Broncos traded a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2017 draft to the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday to acquire the 29-year-old Sanchez.
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Sanchez was brought to the Eagles under Chip Kelly, so there’s some room for real fun speculation here: perhaps he’s part of a package being used to get Colin Kaepernick?
Despite this activity, Sanchez was still on the roster. “That’s been a successful approach for us”, general manager John Elway said. “This is the first step in our process”.
In eight games played last season, his fourth in Denver, Osweiler had 170 completions for 1,967 yards and 10 touchdowns, also throwing six interceptions.
Sanchez, as many may remember, was drafted in the first round by the New York Jets back in 2009 and led the Jets to back to back AFC Championship Game appearances in 2009 (lost 30-17 to Indianapolis) and 2010 (lost 24-19 to Pittsburgh). That might only be leverage for the Jets, who appear to have reached a negotiating impasse with Fitzpatrick.
According to ESPN, Osweiler agreed to a four-year, $72 million pact with the Texans that guarantees him $37 million. Osweiler was a second-round pick of Denver in 2012 and started seven games, all in 2015, with Manning dealing with a foot injury.
Sanchez became expendable in Philadelphia when new coach Doug Pederson lured longtime Chiefs backup Chase Daniel with him to the Eagles from Kansas City for $21 million over three years.
It may be too early to already peg Sanchez as the guy who will even be competing as a starter for the Denver Broncos. He’ll likely obtain another experienced passer and nearly certainly will grab a quarterback in next month’s draft. He’s averaging 7.6 yards per throw, up over a yard from his rate of 6.5 with the Jets.
“I am very appreciative for everything that the Denver Broncos organization has done for me”, Osweiler said during his introductory press conference on Thursday at NRG Stadium.
Elway isn’t just scrambling to replace his iconic quarterback. The Broncos’ intended role for Sanchez was not immediately made clear.
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The Texans have been defined by their stout defense, which ranked third in the National Football League last season.
