Ryan Fitzpatrick might have some fans, but Bart Scott can’t be included in that group.
In an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio (via Justin Tasch of New York Daily News), the former New York Jets linebacker and current CBS analyst took some pointed shots at free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
“He is who he is. You can have great teams and great records, but at this point, pretty much everybody knows who he is. He’s a quality guy. On another 20 teams in the league, he would be a backup. The only teams that he would start for are the teams that have bad quarterback situations. He’s a bridge guy, a glue guy.”
Fitzpatrick is coming off of the best year of his career. In leading the Jets to a 10-6 record, Fitzpatrick threw for 3,905 yards and 31 touchdowns, which were both career highs.
What Fitzpatrick did not do was take New York to the playoffs. The Jets needed only a Week 17 victory over the 7-8 Buffalo Bills to qualify for the postseason, but were upset 22-17. Fitzpatrick’s 16-37 effort for only 181 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions did not help.
Scott did not feel that Fitzpatrick will get any better from this point.
“I’m not gonna give you 15 — OK, he wants $15 (million) because (Brock) Osweiler (got $18 million a year from the Texans.) But (Osweiler) hasn’t reached his ceiling yet. They’re paying for his potential, what he might be able to become. It’s all downhill right now for Fitz.”
It’s hard to dispute Scott’s claims. Given that he’s only started a few games, Osweiler certainly appears to be overpaid, but he at least has the potential to be a great quarterback. Fitzpatrick’s career shows he will never really be that.
The problem is that the Jets are really a rock in a hard place in regards to Fitzpatrick. He’s not a great quarterback but at this point, he is the best option. But the blade cuts both ways. The Jets are really the only team showing interest in Fitzpatrick, who has no leverage in this situation.
New York’s quarterback situation is poor, and that’s a fact.
If the Jets don’t make any more moves, they’ll enter training camp with Geno Smith, Bryce Petty, and rookie Christian Hackenberg as their only options at the game’s most important position. It may be downhill for Fitzpatrick, but it’s awfully difficult to imagine any of them being much better.