Sanchez Says He Wants to Stay With Jets MORRISTOWN, N.J. - Mark Sanchez predicted Tuesday that he would be "better than ever" when his football career resumed. And he insisted the Jets would reap the benefits. Speaking publicly for the first time since shoulder surgery Oct. 8, Sanchez was unequivocal in proclaiming his desire to return to the Jets next season. "Absolutely," said Sanchez, who was volunteering at a soup kitchen here. There's no doubt about that. It's been a dream come true to play here, and I don't want to go anywhere else. He added, "I love being a Jet, and I plan on being here." Plans can certainly change, as Sanchez learned Aug. 24, when his hopes of starting at quarterback were destroyed by a crushing hit in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Giants that left him with a torn labrum. Even before that night, Sanchez, 27, signed through 2016, seemed unlikely to return next season. His prohibitive contract, combined with his performance over the last two seasons and the organization's rebuilding phase, made him a strong candidate to be released, or traded, before he is owed a $2 million roster bonus in March. Sanchez counts $13.1 million against the salary cap in 2014, and the Jets would save $8.3 million by cutting him after the season. "I know I've heard a lot of stuff on the outside of me not being here and stuff like that, but I don't know if that's necessarily the case in the building," Sanchez said. Hopefully not. Hopefully I'm a Jet. That's what I am, that's what I want to be. Before Sanchez can play again, he must rehabilitate his shoulder. He declined to give a timetable for his recovery, or when he anticipated being cleared to resume throwing, but he indicated he should be healthy by April. "The way things are coming along," Sanchez said, "it sounds like I'll be bionic." He has divided his time among California, where he is from, the team's headquarters in New Jersey and the offices of his surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, in Alabama and Florida. He has stayed involved with the Jets by undertaking film-study projects for the offensive coordinator, Marty Mornhinweg, and watching tape of their practices and games - and, as warranted, delivering pep talks to Geno Smith. Few people can empathize more with Smith than Sanchez, who was surrounded by more offensive talent as a rookie but endured similar struggles and was prone to turnovers. One difference is that Sanchez had supreme job security early in his career, while Smith does not. "I know, I've been there," Sanchez said. I've totally experienced a lot of the things he's going through. This has been a lost season for Sanchez, who will need to prove himself capable of leading an N.F.L. offense again. He said he viewed his injury as a "blessing in disguise," though, because it allowed him to gain fresh perspective on his career, and, potentially, where it is heading. He seemed energized by the prospect of analyzing film of the Patriots" victory Sunday against Denver and what he might learn from it. "I think that stuff will help me in the future, absolutely," Sanchez said. I think it could be a jump-start. Could be fun.