Sanchez a Backup? Tomlinson Says No Way

Added on Mar 08, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

As teams jockey for position in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes, everyone with ties to one of the potential suitors is coming out of the woodwork to solicit their opinion on the subject. Like for instance running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who spent the last two seasons with the Jets, a team rumored to have already contacted the Manning camp about bringing him into the fold.

L.T. appeared on the NFL Network last night to offer his insight on Mark Sanchez’s future if Manning were signed.

“In my opinion, I don’t know if he’d handle it well,” Tomlinson said. “I think he’d probably go in and maybe ask to be released. Rightfully so, he would be a little mad. That’s all a part of it. At the same time, if he could grow up a little bit and try to learn from somebody like Peyton Manning, then maybe in a couple years, if they did decide to go with Manning, he could learn from that and then also be the (starter) again.”

Obviously Sanchez would be upset, because he’d be out of a job. Although, the Jets would be wise to hang onto him for insurance purposes considering Manning’s questionable health. Or they could look to trade Sanchez in order to get some compensation in return. After all, the guy was a first-round pick and he did lead the Jets to a pair of AFC title games.

The speculation train about where Peyton will go is already speeding out of control. Will he play in the same division, conference or city as Eli? Will he play in the same division as Tom Brady? Would he be willing to stay in the AFC South in order to exact a measure of vengeance?

Of course, he still has to prove his arm is healed, which is a significant part of the story that a lot of fans and pundits are ignoring. Just because he wants to play doesn’t mean he’s ready. Passing a physical is a major obstacle he must hurdle before any team offers him a contract.

Source: NFL.com