Ryan Fitzpatrick is coming off of a career season in 2015 -
In 2015, The Jets ranked 10th overall in offensive yards per game, 13th in passing offense, 10th in rushing offense and 11th in points per game. If that's not enough to impress you, just think about this, they also were the only team in 2015 to have a top five, based on yards, running back (Chris Ivory) and wide receiver (Brandon Marshall).
After months of negotiation, the Jets organization and Fitzpatrick came to an agreement for a one-year deal worth $12 Million, fully guaranteed. It's not the long-term deal that the quarterback had been wanting but the money (guaranteed) did meet what he was looking for. And I am happy that he finally did get paid, he had a season that lived up to the pay. However, I believe the Jets played their cards right in this case by not offering the long-term deal. They don't have to commit to a quarterback who, going into his 11th season, has yet to really prove anything as a starter in this league. In this one year the organization can find out a few things: Can he [Fitzpatrick] replicate the season he just had? Can he help get this Jets team back to the playoffs? Will he prove that he's worth giving a long-term contract at the age of 33 (turning 34 in November).
I acknowledge the fact that Fitzpatrick had a very good season, played consistent through majority of the season and had surpassed a lot of expectations in 2015. But, was that enough? As a starter in the NFL Ryan Fitzpatrick has yet to lead a team to the playoffs. He's had some opportunities to prove himself through the years, as a journeyman, playing on 6 teams in the past 11 years and hasn't been able to get the job done.
In my opinion, the Jets paid accordingly. They paid a quarterback who had a career year, what he deserved and for perfect length. I do think he is a serviceable quarterback, just not long-term contract worthy ... I voiced my opinion on twitter how I feel about Fitzpatrick's game.
— Mario DeRamus (@SimplyMario_) July 29, 2016
And here's the list:
- Tom Brady
- Andrew Luck
- Aaron Rodgers
- Derek Carr
- Jameis Winston
- Blake Bortles
- Matt Ryan
- Russell Wilson
- Matt Stafford
- Andy Dalton
- Tony Romo
- Ryan Tannehill
- Philip Rivers
- Eli Manning
- Joe Flacco
- Teddy Bridgewater
- Jay Cutler
- Carson Palmer
- Alex Smtih
- Colin Kaepernick
- Cam Newton
- Drew Brees
- Ben Roethlisberger
- Robert Griffin III (on the fence)
- Tyrod Taylor (on the fence)
- Brock Osweiler (on the fence)
The list above isn't a knock on Fitzpatrick's talent and abilities. Rather, it's showing how good of deal it is from his end and how deserving he is for the year that he had. 2016 looks to be a test for Jets and Fitzpatrick in a very tough AFC east division; The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills look to be on the same quest to dethrone the New England Patriots, who have won the division the last seven, consecutive, years. Can Fitzpatrick prove he's worth a long-term contract and lead the Jets to their first AFC east title since 2002?
