Reports: Fitzpatrick Would Take 1-Year Deal, But Jets Have No Interest
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Ryan Fitzpatrick contract saga may soon come to end, but only if the Jets offer him less job security.
According to Gary Myers of the Daily News, the free agent quarterback is prepared to accept a one-year contract for $12 million guaranteed. The Jets have reportedly offered a front-loaded three-year deal for $24 million.
For a long time the Jets were thought to be low-balling Fitzpatrick with a proposal that would have paid him a maximum of $7 million-$8 million per season, but last week numerous reports said New York has been ready to pay the 33-year-old signal-caller as much as $36 million over three years with incentives.
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However, the escalators in the deal may be unrealistic, given the fact that Fitzpatrick, who has played for six teams in 11 NFL seasons, could have a hard time duplicating the tremendous numbers he put up in 2015, when he set a franchise record with 31 touchdown passes and threw for 3,905 yards.
What has been working against Fitzpatrick is the fact that he hasn't had much, if any, leverage to use in negotiations despite his tremendous season a year ago. His market has been basically nonexistent, likely because he is viewed by some as a product of offensive coordinator Chan Gailey's system, rather than a true franchise talent. Also working against him is the fact that in the regular season finale in Buffalo, with the Jets needing a win to make the playoffs, Fitzpatrick threw three second-half interceptions in a crushing 22-17 loss.
But given their alternatives at quarterback, the Jets would welcome Fitzpatrick back with open arms should the sides work out a deal. What remains to be seen is whether or not the Jets will offer him a one-year contract, a possibility the Daily News reported Thursday the team has no interest in doing.
With very few long-term options on their roster, the Jets likely want Fitzpatrick to stick around for at least two years while two young quarterbacks, second-year Bryce Petty and 2016 second-round draft pick Christian Hackenberg, mature.
With Fitzpatrick unsigned, veteran Geno Smith has been the No. 1 quarterback during the Jets' organized team activities.