FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Remember the pre-Tim Tebow days, when the Jets were just a typical team in search of a backup quarterback? The first candidate they called during free agency is the player they will face Sunday in Jacksonville -- Chad Henne.

Henne was coming off a four-year run with the Dolphins, where he went from potential franchise savior to another failure in the post-Marino era. He was drafted by Tony Sparano, fueling speculation about a reunion with the Jets.

Henne, in a conference call with the New York media, confirmed that the Jets made an inquiry. Henne hinted that he lost interest in the Jets when incumbent Mark Sanchez signed his contract extension.

"Well, Tony called me as soon as free agency opened," Henne said. "And, obviously, Mark signed his contract, I think, the week before that. But they still were interested and wanted to get me into visit, but I had two visits already lined up, here at Jacksonville and then also in Seattle. New York kind of would’ve been my third opportunity."

We all know what happened next. The Jets settled for Drew Stanton, who lasted less than a week because they traded for Tebow and shipped Stanton to the Colts. Ah, good times.

Henne is 1-1 as a starter since replacing Blaine Gabbert. For the season, he has eight TD passes, three interceptions and an 87.2 passer rating.