Ryan Fitzpatrick is set to become a free agent, but New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan is confident the team will keep the veteran quarterback.
According to Dom Cosentino of NJ Advance Media, Maccagnan told reporters at the NFL Combine that “I feel good about” re-signing Fitzpatrick.
Last season, he stepped in for Geno Smith and led New York to the brink of the playoffs. Fitzpatrick, who was on his fourth team in as many seasons, tallied career-best marks with 3,905 yards and 31 touchdowns.
Unless the Jets are willing to invest a first-round pick and rely on the rookie to start immediately, the best decision is to keep Fitzpatrick on a short-term deal. He established a tremendously productive connection with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. They combined for 2,529 yards and 26 scores.
Fitzpatrick is due a sizable raise from the $3.25 million he earned last year, per Spotrac. His new contract is expected to be worth between $10 and $12 million, an unnamed agent previously told ESPN.
That shouldn’t be a problem for New York, however. Since the league salary cap is projected to rise approximately $12 million compared to the 2015 season, the Jets can afford to pay Fitzpatrick what he’s earned.
Barring a massive change, Fitzpatrick will sign a contract next month and line up under center for Gang Green in 2016.
