Half of metropolitan New York’s nightmare is finally over as the Jets and Ryan Fitzpatrick beat the team’s self-imposed deadline and agreed to terms on a one-year, $12 million deal. He tossed 31 touchdowns and threw for just under 4,000 yards in helping the Jets to a 10-6 record.
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NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport first reported the news on Twitter. The deal is a fully guaranteed contract that could be pushed to $15 million in incentives.
New York Jets center Nick Mangold talks to the media Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey.
The first rule of Jets training camp: No talking about Ryan Fitzpatrick.
“As I walked in, I told Coach Bowles, ‘Sorry I’m late, ‘” Fitzpatrick said, adding many of his teammates were literally shocked to see him.
What many expected to be a quick decision, by both sides, to reach a deal turned instead into months of posturing before finally reaching an agreement beneficial for both sides. Besides Fitzpatrick, who will be the clear starter this season, Smith is the only quarterback in the final year of his contract. It’s simple: the Fitzpatrick-New York relationship won’t last beyond this season. The other option for the team was Geno Smith who would have been the starter, but he did not have the backing of the front office or the team. “I’m ready to get started”.
The possibility of Fitzpatrick making $15 million, off this deal, gives him what he apparently wanted in the first place.
“I’m happy with the outcome”, he said.
With Fitzpatrick back on the roster, the Jets’ backup quarterbacks include Smith, rookie second-round draft pick Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty. “They told me to tell you all that”. Namely Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall were vocal about their support through the entire standoff.
A strong market for Fitzpatrick never developed as age, previous performance and the fact he has never reached the playoffs in 11 National Football League seasons all likely played roles.
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“I’m not speaking on “Fitz”-any questions you will have to ask Coach [Todd] Bowles”, said linebacker Erin Henderson”. He continued to say that while the process appeared it was going to turn out to be a long process, he attempted to put it to the side and just live his life. Smith tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee last December, while Robinson is coming off a broken leg that sidelined him the last half of last season. “That’s not how I view myself”. Yesterday things moved quickly to get the veteran quarterback back in green and white.
