Once you get beyond Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn, the presumed free-agent quarterback pool is extremely shallow.
Want proof? Chad Henne -- yes, thatChad Henne -- will be a hot commodity when the free-agent signing period begins March 13.
FoxSports.com reported Wednesday that Henne could command up to $5 million in annual salary, a sizable jump from the sub-$3 million that most non-demoted backup signal-callers receive. The report contends Henne is a "1A" option, meaning he's a player who can come in and push (and perhaps pass) the incumbent quarterback on the depth chart.
That description would make the Jets an obvious suitor, and FoxSports.com reports New York is a "strong contender" to land the former Dolphin. Mark Sanchez struggled in his third season as starter, and it's doubtful the ancient Mark Brunell provided much more than flawed business advice the past two seasons.
Installing a legitimate depth chart behind Sanchez is long overdue for the Jets, and Henne would represent a better option than retreads like Jason Campbell, David Garrard, Vince Young and Kyle Orton.
Still, Mark Sanchez and Chad Henne? Not since the days of the Bushwhackers have we seen such an unintimidating tag team.
No wonder Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum has done little to distance the team from the Peyton Manning rumors.
