Former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said that signing quarterback Mark Sanchez to a rich contract extension last year seemed right at the time but, in hindsight, likely cost him his job.
"I don't think I would have signed a quarterback to an extension knowing that he'd have 26 turnovers," Tannenbaum said Thursday on NFL Network's NFL AM. "That might be one of the reasons I'm right now sitting here with you guys."Last March, Sanchez signed a three-year, $40.5 million extension to his rookie contract, giving him five total years for $58.25 million, with $20.5 million guaranteed. In 2012, Sanchez finished with 2,883 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and 26 interceptions along with a 66.9 passer rating that was ahead of only the Chiefs' Matt Cassel (66.7)."We came up with a deal at the time that we thought was good for both sides," Tannenbaum said. "Obviously, he didn't play as well this year, we didn't coach as well this year, we didn't get him as good players this year. ... I still think Mark's going to be a good, credible quarterback in the NFL."Nickname stayingWashington Redskins general manager Bruce Allen said the team isn't considering a new nickname, adding that it's "ludicrous" to suggest that the franchise is trying to upset Native Americans."There's nothing that we feel is offensive," Allen said. "And we're proud of our history."Opposition to "Redskins" has gained momentum following last week's symposium at the Smithsonian that was heavily critical of the use of the word, citing its history as an offensive term. Local columnists and commentators have called for the team to change its name.Briefly Eagles: Quarterback Dennis Dixon, who finished the season on the Ravens' practice squad, was signed to a two-year contract despite not playing in a regular-season game since 2010. Dixon played in college at Oregon when new Eagles coach Chip Kelly was the offensive coordinator. Ravens: Linebacker Terrell Suggs has chosen to rehab his torn right biceps rather than have surgery, according to the Baltimore Sun. Suggs tore the biceps on Dec. 2 against the Steelers but played throughout Baltimore's playoff run. Bills: Veteran cornerback Terrence McGee was released after 10 years in Buffalo. Injuries limited McGee to just 22 games the past three seasons. He is the third veteran defensive player cut by the Bills this week, along with linebacker Nick Barnett and safety George Wilson. Rams: Tim Walton, the Lions' secondary coach the past four seasons, is expected to be named defensive coordinator at a news conference today. Lions: Marcus Robertson was hired to be secondary coach.
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