New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez had season-ending right shoulder surgery today, the team announced.

This marks the end of the Sanchez era as rookie Geno Smith is the quarterback of the present and future.

The Jets will cut ties with Sanchez after the season.

Sanchez's surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews.

Sanchez is on injured reserve-designated to return, but now there's no chance for him to be activated.

“After over seven weeks of hard work and intense rehab, I've been advised by Dr. Andrews and other doctors that my shoulder injury clearly needs to be addressed surgically," Sanchez said in a statement. "The injury was recovering at an encouraging rate early on, and I avoided surgery as long as I could, but ultimately I was counseled by the doctors that they simply would have to repair my shoulder."

Sanchez is a former fifth overall pick from USC who played under heavy criticism after leading the Jets to the AFC championship game during his first two NFL seasons.

Jets general manager John Idzik released a statement.

“Throughout this process, our goal has been to provide Mark every opportunity to return this season,” Idzik said. “He and our medical staff have worked very diligently to that end and now it has been concluded that surgery is required. He will have our full support for a complete recovery.”

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.