5 potential replacements for Ryan Fitzpatrick
After Ryan Fitzpatrick’s performance on Sunday, who should potentially replace him at quarterback?
Throughout the 2016 NFL offseason, Ryan Fitzpatrick held out for more money from the New York Jets. He thought he deserved money similar or equal to other quarterbacks that got new contracts, but the Jets refused. Fitzpatrick remained a free agent until August, when the two sides agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the potential for the deal to extend in 2017.
So, the 33-year-old stepped into the 2016 season as the signal caller, again. He played the first two games, throwing for 563 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Not a bad start at all.
However, things changed in Week 3.
Against the Kansas City Chiefs, Fitzpatrick threw for 188 yards and no touchdowns. Worst of all, and what potentially makes this the worst quarterback performance of the season, he launched six interceptions in the loss. It’s only one game, but the performance was bad enough that it could warrant a reevaluation of his status as the starter.
So, if the Jets decided to replace Fitzpatrick soon, who could fill his role?
5. Chase Daniel
When the Philadelphia Eagles traded Sam Bradford to the Minnesota Vikings, it briefly created a question at quarterback. Would Carson Wentz be thrown into the fire? Or would Chase Daniel bridge the gap for the rookie?
The answer cam quickly, as Wentz was named the starter and hasn’t looked back since. Through three games, he’s piled up 769, five touchdowns and zero interceptions. His early production and protection of the ball should lock him in as the starter for the rest of the season.
As for Daniel, it means he’s probably riding the bench for the rest of the season, barring an injury. So, could that make him a trade candidate?
The Missouri alum signed a three-year, $21 million deal, a hefty price to pay a backup. If the Jets have interest in looking for another option at quarterback to replace Ryan Fitzpatrick, they could call the Eagles on Daniel. Given his salary, New York may not have to sacrifice much to get him. They could then give the journeyman a look at starter, something he’s never received during his NFL career.
However, dealing for Daniel would mean the Jets likely have to cut one of Bryce Petty, Christian Hackenberg or Geno Smith. Would they want to risk losing out on the development of one of these young quarterbacks? Daniel hasn’t shown he can be anything but a backup, so the play here would be risky.