The Sports Xchange

Mark Sanchez expects to compete with Sam Bradford for the starting quarterback job with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Popular opinion might be the Bradford is the starter, Sanchez said, but coach Chip Kelly also opened with Michael Vick two years ago, when Nick Foles came on to have a season for the record books.

Sanchez, who signed a two-year extension as an unrestricted free agent in March, is guaranteed $5.5 million on the $9-year deal – and, he says, a shot at the starting job.

“Absolutely,” said Sanchez. “That’s the way I understand it.”

Bradford has missed most of the past two seasons with torn knee ligaments. He was acquired for Foles from the Rams and is entering a contract year. Bradford is owed $13 million for the 2015 season and the Eagles also gave up a second-round pick with Foles to bring him on board.

Sanchez replaced Foles, who cracked his left collarbone Week 8 at Houston, but couldn’t steer the Eagles into the playoffs. 2,418 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in nine games. The six-year veteran completed 64 percent of his passes

“There is some unfinished business,” Sanchez said. “I know I can play better than that. I know we can get this team in the playoffs.”