Finally getting the OK from his agent, Fitzpatrick wanted to rejoin his teammates in time for their 7 p.m. team meeting with coach Todd Bowles to kick off training camp.
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“It’s Fitzpatrick’s job. I said he was the starter in the spring”.
The decision to stick with the Jets was inevitable considering Fitzpatrick’s lack of options. As this year approaches, The Jets are the best position to compete against the New England Patriots for the AFC East title and an possible playoff push. Their new season is inching closer and closer.
Four years earlier, in Buffalo, Fitzpatrick for half the season played like a Pro Bowler, before defences crouched up and defied him to throw deep, which he couldn’t do effectively.
Schefter reports that the $12 million “fully guaranteed” and there is “another $3 million in incentives, which could boost value to $15 million, per source”. The Jets got him for a year to be a stopgap but haven’t committed to him to being a franchise guy.
The 33-year old veteran quarterback, out of Harvard, basically chose to bet on himself in 2016. There was such a he said-she said back-and-forth going on. That was easier said than done as people continued asking him about his contract, texting him. It was hovering … looming over my head for five months.
The Jets and FItzpatrick had been at an impasse throughout the offseason, with the team eventually setting a deadline for yesterday for a contract to be agreed upon.
NY may of learned not to wait last minute to solve contract problems though. “But I wasn’t technically under contract, so I don’t think they can fine me”.
Everybody in the Jets organization seemed to be happy about the bearded one being back on the squad, including the players, that is except for the other quarterback on the roster, Geno Smith.
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The Jets are Fitzpatrick’s sixth National Football League team during an 11 season career. Sheldon Richardson will be suspended for a game, but when he returns in week two, the Jets’ defensive line will be as talented as any in the NFL. They upgraded the offensive line by trading for Denver Broncos former Pro Bowl tackle Ryan Clady. NY also drafted former Penn State star Christian Hackenberg in the second round, but he is viewed more as a project for this season. Every team in the AFC East needs all they help they can get to take the division from the New England Patriots. I really wanted to be at the first meeting. He has looked increasingly more comfortable working in Chan Gailey’s offense, and some have wondered if Smith would be able to thrive, as Fitzpatrick did, if he were the starter.
