Ryan Fitzpatrick and New York Jets Both Won With The New Contract

 3,900 passing yards, 31 TD and nearly 60% pass completion - as he and the New York Jets fell short of making the playoffs. But it is a team that looks to be headed in the right direction, led by head coach Todd Bowles who is entering his second year as a head coach in the league. Even though the Jets were known in 2015 for their top-tier defense, it's offense is what had people excited throughout the season, it's something that hasn't been talked about in reference to a Jets team, really since the early 2000s.
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.

I respect him for holding out, I really do. But I can name 26 starting quarterbacks that I'd take over Fitzpatrick.

— Mario DeRamus (@SimplyMario_) July 29, 2016

And here's the list:

1. Tom Brady
2. Andrew Luck
3. Aaron Rodgers
4. Derek Carr
5. Jameis Winston
6. Blake Bortles
7. Matt Ryan
8. Russell Wilson
9. Matt Stafford
10. Andy Dalton
11. Tony Romo
12. Ryan Tannehill 
13. Philip Rivers
14. Eli Manning
15. Joe Flacco
16. Teddy Bridgewater
17. Jay Cutler
18. Carson Palmer
19. Alex Smtih
20. Colin Kaepernick
21. Cam Newton
22. Drew Brees
23. Ben Roethlisberger   
24. Robert Griffin III (on the fence)
25. Tyrod Taylor (on the fence) 
26. Brock Osweiler (on the fence) 

Some players you may not agree with me, but I know you can't debate 20/26 listed quarterbacks are better.

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?