Storyline: Ryan Fitzpatrick put up career numbers for the Jets last year–after he was expected to serve as a veteran back-up. Should the Jets sign him to a big-money contract? Written by Jordon Johnson, Odenton, MD.
Quarterback. The most important position in football, especially in the NFL.
In the NFL, starting caliber quarterbacks seem to come at a premium these days. So what does a team do when its time to pay these quarterbacks? That’s the situation for the New York Jets with Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Courtesy: deadseriousness.com
When the Jets signed Ryan Fitzpatrick last year, I don’t think Woody Johnson and Mike Maccagnan expected him to be a back-up to a young Geno Smith. But due to an unexpected punch thrown by a former teammate, Smith was seriously injured and Fitzpatrick became the Week 1 starter for the Jets.
Fitzpatrick put up career numbers, throwing for 3,905 yards, 31 touchdowns, and only 15 interceptions. He led the Jets to a 10-6 record, barely missing the playoffs. Fitzpatrick proved that he’s a clear-cut NFL starter. The major question is whether he is worth “elite starter” money.
It’s clear that the price of quarterbacks has gone up these days–with guys like Aaron Rodgers earing numbers well north of $21 million dollars per season. While Fitzpatrick clearly is not elite, like Rodgers, he still has established himself to be worth more than the 3-year, $21 million dollar deal that Chase Daniel signed to be the backup in Philadelphia.
Courtesy: nydailynews.com
There are rumors that Fitzpatrick’s representatives have asked for a whopping $19 million dollars per season. But is Fitzpatrick really worth it? His numbers this year, and the large contract Brock Osweiler got from the Houston Texans, certainly make an argument for Fitzpatrick. But Fitzpatrick has been turnover prone and shown inconsistencies during stints with five other NFL teams. Fitzpatrick is also 33 years old, which is a concern for the Jets.
So is Ryan Fitzpatrick worth elite money?
