Matt Forte and Ryan Fitzpatrick have never been teammates, but that’s something that the new New York Jets running back wants to have changed. Speaking to Nick Klopsis of New York Newsday, Forte made it clear that he wants Fitzpatrick back with the Jets.
“The best way to improve on that is to continue to build on it…So it’d be the best thing, I think, for us to have him back.”
Those are pretty strong words. They’d be expected from someone who played with Fitzpatrick last year. Coming from a new acquisition like Forte, they have even more meaning.
At this point, though, Forte is right on the money. Fitzpatrick is indeed the best option for the Jets and it’s not terribly close.
Someone like Brock Osweiler might have been a better fit, but only at a moderate price. Unfortunately for New York, Osweiler has already signed with the Houston Texans and the price was anything but moderate, so that ship has long sailed.
If we’re talking about a trade, Sam Bradford, and especially Colin Kaepernick, might represent more talented options. But neither of them know the Jets offense right now. They’re both more talented than Fitzpatrick, but he’s close enough to them that his knowledge of the offense would give him a clear advantage.
Lastly, we have the draft. But the best quarterback New York could possibly land on draft day would be Memphis signal caller Paxton Lynch, who’s a clear project pick. Those are not the kind of quarterbacks that should be starting immediately for a team looking to contend.
Fitzpatrick thrived in New York last season. He threw for 3,905 yards and 31 touchdowns, which were both career highs.
The bearded vet is by far the best option for the team, and a reunion is clearly the best option for both parties.