The New York Jets will attempt to trade quarterback Mark Sanchez after the season, the New York Daily News reported on Wednesday.

The news comes a day after Sanchez was benched by the Jets in favor of Greg McElroy, a former seventh-round pick who entered the season as the team’s third-string quarterback. The Daily News report is somewhat surprising given the unwavering support the Jets had demonstrated for Sanchez until now.

The Jets traded first and second-round picks, and three players to the Cleveland Browns in 2009 in order to move up to the No. 5 slot where they drafted Sanchez. They signed him to a five-year, $50 million deal that included $28 million guaranteed, and they reached the AFC Championship Game in his first two seasons in the league. However, without as much support from a dominant defense and running game, the Jets struggled when Sanchez was asked to do more for the offense. He responded by committing 50 turnovers the past two seasons — more than any other quarterback.

Sanchez’s salary for 2013 includes $8.25 million in base pay. If the Jets are unable to find a trade partner, the Daily News says Sanchez would likely be brought back by the team where he would compete for the starting job.

The other interesting aspect of the Daily News’ report is the speculation that the Jets will attempt to bring in Michael Vick in the offseason. Vick suffered a brutal concussion in Week 9 and has been replaced by Nick Foles as the Eagles’ starting quarterback. Philly is expected to release him before his multi-million roster bonus is due in March. The Jets could be the team most likely to pursue him — head coach Rex Ryan reportedly loves Vick — and then we would have another lovely Jets circus on our hands.

Photo credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

The New York Jets’ playoff hopes ended in the most fitting way possible. Immediately after a shanked punt gave New York a great chance to come back and beat the Titans on “Monday Night Football,” the Jets turned the ball over on an embarrassing fumble.

The Jets were down 14-10 and had the ball at the Tennesse 25 with 47 seconds left in the game. Quarterback Mark Sanchez was in the shotgun, and he was unable to field a low snap from center Nick Mangold. As Sanchez tried to recover the snap, running back Bilal Powell cut in front of him to try to help block. Unfortunately, Powell kicked the ball as he was moving across the field and the Titans recovered the loose ball.

“That’s the way this game should end!” announcer Mike Tirico pronounced. “That’s the way the Jets’ season should end! Ugly, and a loss!”

Tirico could not have said it better. The Jets were 6-7 entering the game and had no business making the playoffs. They proved that with an inept performance on Monday.

Sanchez went 13-for-28 with 131 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions. Prior to the fumble that ended the Jets’ season, he had thrown interceptions on back-to-back possessions. But the thing is the Titans were doing everything possible to give away the game. Tennessee went three-and-out on its drive, and then kicked a 19-yard punt that gave the Jets incredible field position. But like they had all season, the Jets blew it with an embarrassing play.

In a season that featured 21 points allowed to the Patriots in 52 seconds, Bart Scott freaking out at the media, players anonymously ripping Tim Tebow, Fireman Ed quitting as a superfan, Braylon Edwards calling management idiots (and then getting signed by said management a week later), and a freaking butt fumble, seeing the Jets lose in such a clumsy way was about as fitting as possible.

The New York Post nailed it when they put the Jets in a clown car before the season began. This team is a joke.

video via Awful Announcing