Mark Sanchez will be the Dallas Cowboys' backup quarterback to start the season, the team website announced.
The Cowboys and Sanchez reached a deal Saturday, shortly after he was cut by the Denver Broncos.
Sanchez gives the Cowboys a veteran backup to rookie Dak Prescott. Sanchez has started 72 games in a six-year career, going 37-35 in those games.
Sanchez has thrown for 15,126 yards in his career with 86 touchdowns and 84 interceptions. He has a career passer rating of 74.3.
The Cowboys have been searching for a veteran option ever since Tony Romo sustained a compression fracture in his lower back that will sideline him in the early part of the season.
Second-year pro Jameill Showers showed his inexperience during the preseason finale against Houston on Thursday, and the Cowboys made it clear they would be active in seeing what options may become available.
Sanchez, the fifth overall pick in the 2009 draft, proved to be the best option.
Sanchez played in two preseason games for the Broncos, completing 20 of 30 passes for 219 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also had two lost fumbles.
