Broncos cut QB Mark Sanchez, who will sign with Cowboys

When the Denver Broncos were scrambling at quarterback this offseason, they picked up Mark Sanchez on the cheap in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. Even after the Broncos drafted Paxton Lynch in the first round, it appeared Sanchez would be the bridge at quarterback until Lynch was ready.

But Sanchez ended up being surpassed by 2015 seventh-round pick Trevor Siemian last month and became expendable. Once it was clear Siemian was the starter, most people expected that the Broncos would cut Sanchez, and they released him on Saturday.

The Dallas Cowboys wasted no time reaching out to Sanchez. Right after news broke that the Broncos cut Sanchez, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Cowboys had agreed to sign him. The Cowboys were looking for a veteran backup behind rookie Dak Prescott since Tony Romo will miss the start of the season with a broken bone in his back.

The Broncos also cut running back Ronnie Hillman, their leading rusher last season with 863 yards. Hillman also led Denver with seven rushing touchdowns.

 

Sanchez played his way out of Denver with turnovers, which has been the story of his career. He threw an interception in the first preseason game, which he started for Denver, and then lost two fumbles in the second preseason game. Siemian was tabbed the starter for the third preseason game, and coach Gary Kubiak named Siemian the Week 1 starter after that. Sanchez didn’t even play in the third or fourth preseason games. The Broncos tried to trade Sanchez but couldn’t find a partner. Denver didn’t keep Sanchez around for a few reasons: Lynch played pretty well in the preseason and is likely going to start at some point this season anyway, Sanchez had a $4.5 million salary and the Broncos now don’t have to give the Eagles a conditional pick since Sanchez isn’t on the opening-day roster.

Hillman was passed on the depth chart too. C.J. Anderson was the team’s top back late last season after a slow start, and he’s the unquestioned starter. Fourth-round pick Devontae Booker impressed in camp and will likely be Anderson’s backup. Hillman, a 2012 third-round pick, should get a look from teams who want to add depth at tailback even though the Broncos couldn’t find a trade partner for him, either.