QB Mark Sanchez returning to Philly

Free agent quarterback Mark Sanchez is going back to the Philadelphia Eagles on a two-year deal with a maximum value of $16 million, $5.5 million of which is guaranteed, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Sunday.

Sanchez, 28, signed a one-year contract with the Eagles last offseason after being released by the New York Jets.

After being a first-round pick, earning the nickname "The Sanchize" with trips to the AFC Championship Game in each of his first two seasons, Sanchez injured his throwing shoulder during the 2013 preseason and was replaced by rookie Geno Smith.

Sanchez felt that playing in Eagles coach Chip Kelly's offense would help get his career back on track, and his gamble paid off. While Nick Foles was unquestionably the Eagles' No. 1 quarterback, Sanchez had a strong preseason and was ready when Foles broke his clavicle during the Eagles' Week 9 game in Houston.

Sanchez finished that game, a victory, and started the Eagles' final eight games. He completed a club record 64 percent of his passes (198 for 309), for 2,418 yards. Sanchez threw 14 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions.

His record as a starter was 4-4. After leading the Eagles to their 33-10 defeat of Dallas on Thanksgiving Day, Sanchez was the quarterback for the three-game losing streak that knocked them out of the playoff picture.

For Sanchez, the season met his goals of helping him bounce back from his ouster in New York. It also may have exposed his limitations as a starting quarterback.

ESPN.com Eagles reporter Phil Sheridan contributed to this report.