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Mark Sanchez signs one-year contract with Philadelphia Eagles

Mark Sanchez, quarterbacking for the New York Jets, throws a pass during a preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 24, 2013. Sanchez signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday.
(Al Bello / Getty Images)
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The second phase of Mark Sanchez’s up-and-down NFL career will take place in Philadelphia.

A week after being dumped by the New York Jets in favor of Michael Vick, Sanchez signed a one-year contract Friday with Vick’s former team, the Philadelphia Eagles. The former USC standout likely will play a backup role to Nick Foles as he looks to revive a stumbling NFL career that was marred by injury in 2013.

Eagles Coach Chip Kelly told the Associated Press that signing Sanchez was a “no-brainer.”

“Mark has started 68 games in his career and has taken his teams deep into the playoffs multiple times, so we really like what he brings to the table from an experience standpoint,” Kelly said. “I also had the chance to see Mark play in college and have always had respect for his game and athletic ability.”

Sanchez spent the entire 2013 season on injured reserve after suffering a torn labrum in a preseason game. In 2012, he passed for 2,883 yards and 13 touchdowns, but he also threw 18 interceptions and had nine fumbles as the Jets posted a 6-10 record.

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Sanchez became expendable following a decent rookie season by quarterback Geno Smith, who passed for 3,046 yards and 12 touchdowns as the Jets improved to 8-8 last season.

The Jets released Sanchez on March 21 to make room for Vick, who signed a one-year, $5-million contract with the team. Vick is expected to compete with Smith for the Jets’ starting quarterback job.

Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman said Sanchez’s experience should benefit the team’s young stable of quarterbacks, which includes Sanchez’s successor at USC, Matt Barkley.

“You can never have enough talent at the quarterback position on your roster, so when Mark became available we immediately became interested,” Roseman said. “He’ll have the chance to come in and learn the playbook, and we feel he’ll be a nice veteran addition to the quarterback room.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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