In 2016 NFL free agency, who signs quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick?
NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is suddenly relevant enough to generate some free agency buzz. Initially a backup for the New York Jets going into the 2015 season, Fitzpatrick ended up starting after Geno Smith suffered a broken jaw in a preseason locker room brawl with a teammate. His performance with the Jets eclipsed his productivity during his years with the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, and Houston Texans as he led his team to a 10-6 season. Here is what you should expect from Fitzpatrick this offseason.
Vitals
Age: 33
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 223 pounds
Notable stat in 2015: Threw for 3,905 yards, a career high.
Also notable: Fitzpatrick set a franchise record for number of touchdown passes (31).
Contract comparison
Ryan Fitzpatrick was a bargain in 2015. The New York Jets cannot expect to maintain their thriftiness at quarterback going into the 2016 season. Fitzpatrick earned $3.25 million in 2015, the final year of his two-year agreement with the team. According to sources, Fitzpatrick could demand between $10 million and $12 million annually, a huge increase over his current earnings.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is not one of the preeminent quarterbacks in the league. There are, however, 18 quarterbacks in the NFL who have an average salary of over $15 million annually. Nick Foles earned $13.8 in guaranteed money after his recent two-year extension.
Prediction: Fitzgerald will see around $14 million in guaranteed money and demand a salary of around $9 million a year for a two or three-year contract.
Will he stay?
The Jets are in a bind. Geno Smith is definitely not their man. Outside of his meltdown in the final regular season game, Fitzpatrick was an asset to the franchise, especially considering his low salary and the fact that he played part of the season with an injured thumb.
Fitzpatrick is a strong leader, a refreshing change after the Geno Smith locker room antics of the 2015 preseason. The team needs Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2016. The Jets will make a deal to keep Fitzgerald that won’t overextend the franchise.
If he leaves…
If Fitzpatrick hits the open market, he could draw interests from a number of teams lacking depth at quarterback. The Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers all need a franchise quarterback. Some of these franchises have more cap space and could be even more desperate than the New York Jets. Depsite Fitzgerald’s age and lack of consistent track record, he could be an attractive prospect for teams without a strong performer in the pocket.