3 Free Agent Quarterbacks Washington Can Sign with Ryan Fitzpatrick Injured

It’s good to see Ryan Fitzpatrick still in the NFL. Year after year Fitzpatrick just shows up in different cities, with different uniforms and entertaining the masses. He found his way to Washington in 2021 to represent . . . the Football Team!

It was a bummer to see him leave the game early, as he did in the second quarter on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers with a right hip issue. WynnBET Spoortsbook had the Washington Football Team as -2.0 point favorites over Los Angeles prior to game time, but the Chargers would pull away with a four-point victory, 20 to 16.

Fitzpatrick will undergo an MRI on Monday to check the severity of his hip issue, and if it’s a long-term problem, the Football Team fans can expect to see a lot of Taylor Heinicke, who played well in relief of Fitzpatrick in Washington’s narrow loss -- going 11-of-15, with 122 passing yards, and one touchdown. Not too bad for a guy intending to hold a clipboard all day.

If Heinicke is not the man for the job, there may be a few other fellows that Ron Rivera and company can bring in from outside the organization.

Here are three free agent options that Washington can explore:

Cam Newton

First, the obvious choice. 

Cam Newton may be the most recognizable free agent signal-caller currently looking for a new employer, after he was dumped by Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots just before the season kicked off. His relationship with Belichick didn’t work out, but maybe Newton can call his ex-head coach Ron Rivera to reignite some old flames.

Newton’s numbers have been up and down over the last few years, especially his passing numbers, as he produced an 8-to-10 touchdown to interception ratio in 2020. Newton produced decent numbers in the preseason, but at this point in his career, Newton is a shell of his former self. But is a lesser version of Newton better than the current Taylor Heinicke? Washington should make the call and find out.

Devlin Hodges

Remember in 2019 when “Duck” Hodges was a thing?

Hodges filled in for the injured Ben Roethlisberger, then next, the injured Mason Rudolph. As a starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hodges actually went 3-3 in six games as a starter. Sometimes, average is actually good.

Although he started six games, he played in eight that season. He completed 62.5% of his passes for 1,063 yards, and five touchdown passes to eight interceptions in those eight games, and that was enough to get the whole city of Pittsburgh to get behind him. And then they both moved on.

If Washington needs to move on to another QB, maybe Hodges becomes a game-manager option for the Football Team, and they can start a “Duck” dynasty.

Ugh. I’m sorry.

Matt Barkley

Matt Barkley has not had a good career. He’s been awful, actually. In his seven career starts, he has a 2-5 record to go along with 10 passing touchdowns and 9 interceptions. There’s just not much to like here. However, he is still available.

For Washington, they better hope Fitzpatrick’s injury is just short-term, because there’s really not much out there, anyway.

Heinicke looks like he can hold down the fort, if need be, and if everything really goes off the rails, maybe tight end (former Viginia Tech quarterback) Logan Thomas can line up under center. That sounds like something “Riverboat Ron” might do.

If the injury for Fitzpatrick is long-term, maybe coach Rivera should just call Newton.

Just call him, Ron.

Download the WynnBET app and make your pick today.