FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Mark Sanchez understands all the hoopla surrounding Tim Tebow. None of it worries the Jets quarterback.
Hours after the Jets introduced Tebow at a huge news conference at the team’s headquarters, Sanchez spoke for the first time since New York acquired the backup quarterback from Denver last Wednesday.
“We’re adding another player and we’re not replacing anybody,” Sanchez said. “I mean, he’s here to help us, and I’m confident in my abilities. I know the team feels the same way about me. They have belief in me. … I’m not worried about losing my spot.”
Sanchez didn’t watch Tebow’s intro to the Big Apple. Instead, he said, he was working out and throwing.
“I heard he did a pretty good job,” Sanchez said. “How did he do?”
The Jets have repeatedly said Sanchez is the No. 1 quarterback, while Tebow will serve as the backup and see plenty of playing time in various roles. Sanchez, who recently signed a three-year contract extension, said he doesn’t think it will be a distraction to have the popular quarterback on the team. He also brushed off the speculation that fans could call for Tebow as soon as he struggles.
“That stuff happens whether you’re Tim Tebow or not,” Sanchez said. “They call for the backup any time you’re not playing to your potential, so that’s just part of the job.”
Footnotes. The Cardinals agreed to terms on a three-year contract for long snapper Mike Leach, who played seven seasons (2002-08) with the Broncos.
• The Rams signed free-agent wide receiver Steve Smith, who caught nine passes in 11 games for the Eagles last season before being sidelined by a knee injury.
• The Raiders, who lost tight end Zach Miller, guard Robert Gallery and linebacker Thomas Howard to free agency last season, received compensatory picks at the end of the third, fourth and fifth rounds of the April 26-28 draft.
• The Browns received two sixth-round picks and two in the seventh round in this year’s draft after losing safety Abe Elam, receiver Chansi Stuckey, fullback Lawrence Vickers, guard Floyd Womack, cornerback Eric Wright and linebackers Matt Roth and Jason Trusnik in 2011.
The Associated Press
