New York’s’ training camp starts on July 28th, but Fitzpatrick still missed out on optional training days and additional condition exercises.
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Fitzpatrick’s signing gives NY another year before having to decide if Christian Hackenberg or Bryce Petty could be their quarterback of the future.
Fitzpatrick was a free agent who was locked in a contract stalemate with the Jets since free agency began in March.
Multiple reports Wednesday night said Fitzpatrick signed a one-year deal worth $12 million, fully guaranteed.
“So I had to text Brandon and get his door code”, Fitzpatrick said. I had like six minutes to get in the building, I pulled up and the guys at the (security) gate kind of looked at me amusing but they waved me right through. “I’m glad that we’re going to be able to get to work today”. A second offseason in which the only conundrum was Ryan Fitzpatrick’s negotiations has been a far smoother approach to the season, a pleasant treat for the second-year man in charge.
Perhaps he should come up with better word choice rather than fueling a fire which did not yet exist.
The other major distraction defensively was taken care of on the same day of Fitzpatrick’s contract when first round pick Darron Lee finally agreed to a contract. To the Jets fans who were surprised, I ask you one simple question, Why? “It was huge. That’s why you play the game”.
Simply, Smith is motivated and humbled.
Barring injury or an unforeseen situation, it appears Fitzpatrick will be under center against Cincinnati in Week 1 on September 11. “Then all the numbers came out”.
Fitzpatrick stepped in and had the best statistical season by a Jets quarterback since Vinny Testaverde’s magical 1998 season, throwing for a career-high 3,905 yards and a single-season franchise-record 31 touchdowns. Smith, meanwhile, was left as a spectator with an uncertain future.
Since he hasn’t been under contract, he wasn’t practicing with his team in the offseason.
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Smith was asked if he was upset about being a backup and said he wasn’t and “explained [his feelings] very clearly” about wanting to be on the field. “So, it was not like one of those shocking things”. It’s good to know early so we can adjust in camp going forward. “So this camp is a little calmer than a year ago”.
