NEW YORK—After multiple complications that took place in contract negotiations during this current off-season, Ryan Fitzpatrick has officially re-signed with the New York Jets for a one-year deal worth $12 million. Smart move on both parties I might add. At 33 years old, the only NFL player to ever come out of Harvard College has landed a big payday, sure it may only be a one-year contract, but “Fitz-Magic” cannot complain. Fitzpatrick had the best year of his career with 3,905 yards and 31 touchdowns, which beats out one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Aaron Rodgers (3,821 yards, 31 Touchdowns) this past season in passing yards.
For Fitz-Magic, he has lived out his career as the cliché mediocre quarterback. Once getting his first real shot in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008, he has not been able to claim a spot among the top-tear of quarterbacks with his production until this past season. After seeing contracts this current offseason like Brock Osweiler’s (4 years $75 million contract), Fitzpatrick had every right to demand a contract based on that type of salary. Along with the signing, Fitzy also retains all of his weapons from last season (including the addition of Matt Forte) which gives him a chance to repeat (if not increase) the level he played at this past season. A+ grade for Fitz-Magic and his luscious beard.
On the Jets standpoint, they added a seriously needed “re-fill” for their chances at cracking a spot in the postseason. Arguably having one of the better defenses in the league with names like Darrell Revis, Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and the defensive mind of Todd Bowles, they need someone who they can count on to run the offense and create a tempo for the game (AKA Fitz-Magic). If they didn’t sign Fitzpatrick who would they go with? An unproven project in Bryce Petty? Or god forbid Geno Smith (granted his jaw and ego are ok)? Until they can find another quarterback in the upcoming years through the draft, Ryan Fitzpatrick is the best option they have and they are lucky enough to sign him this late.