NFL Trade Rumors 2016: Dallas Cowboys Discussing Mark Sanchez Deal With Denver Broncos?

Mark Sanchez Eagles 2014 — Mark Sanchez could potentially join the Dallas Cowboys after battling them in the NFC East for the last two years. Reuters

Mark Sanchez’s days with the Denver Broncos are numbered, and the defending Super Bowl champs are looking to trade the quarterback. Hoping to avoid simply releasing Sanchez, Denver is reportedly talking to the Dallas Cowboys about a potential deal.

Dallas is in the market for a quarterback because of Tony Romo’s back injury. Dak Prescott will be the team’s starter, and the Cowboys are looking to potentially add a backup since Romo could miss up to 10 weeks. A deal, however, seems unlikely.

Dallas #Cowboys one of the teams Denver is talking to about Mark Sanchez. Dallas knows he'll be cut, unlikely to trade for him.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) August 29, 2016

Prescott has never started a regular-season game, and he could struggle as Romo’s replacement. But considering the way he’s performed in the preseason, the Cowboys appear to be comfortable handing the reins over to the rookie.

After being selected in the fourth round of last year’s draft, Prescott has been as impressive as any NFL player this preseason. Making his debut by completing 10-of-12 passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns, he was even better in Week 2, throwing for a perfect passer rating. His Week 3 performance was his worst of the preseason, and he still managed to go 17-of-23 for 116 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

Prescott has been far better than Sanchez, who missed out on a chance to start for the Broncos. The team has named second-year quarterback Trevor Siemian as their starter. First-round draft pick Paxton Lynch will be his backup.

Sanchez might be an upgrade over the Cowboys' current backup. With injuries to both Romo and Kellen Moore, that position belongs to Jameill Showers, who like Prescott, has never started an NFL game. But the undrafted rookie will cost Dallas far less than Sanchez, who will be owed $4.5 million if the Cowboys acquire him.

Dallas could still end up acquiring Sanchez if they don’t trade for him. The Broncos are hoping to get something in return for Sanchez, but Denver will likely end up releasing him. As a free agent without a $4.5 million salary attached to him, Sanchez will be a much more attractive option at quarterback.

Sanchez started two games for the Philadelphia Eagles last year, going 0-2. He went 4-4 as Philadelphia’s starter in 2014, posting a career-best 88.4 passer rating.