A new report on the contract impasse between Ryan Fitzpatrick and the New York Jets shows the two sides still have a long, long ways to go before a deal will be struck.
James Fowler, appearing on ESPN’s SportsCenter, said he expects this impasse to “get uglier before it gets better.” He also said “let’s call it Fitz and the tantrums.”
The latest report on the value of the current deal on the table for Fitzpatrick is that the Jets are offering a three-year deal worth $24 million, with $12 million guaranteed for 2016.
At face value, it certainly appears it’s a fair offer, being that Fitzpatrick has never been more than mediocre, barring last year’s career campaign.
That said, others around the league believe he should be receiving a better offer.
“…you gotta get the guy above $10 million (per year), because look at the quarterback landscape,” Fowler said. “If you’re not a Browns quarterback or rookie, you’d be making more than Ryan Fitzpatrick’s average of $8 million a year. Think about Nick Foles. He has no chance to play this year, and he’s going to make $12 million. So you have to get the money to somewhere respectable. It’s not about making a competitive offer. It’s about not insulting a guy who threw 31 touchdowns last year.”
Fitzpatrick has stated he would like to return to the Jets in 2016. That said, he also reportedly said he would rather retire than play next season on the deal the Jets have on the table.
In the meantime, Geno Smith is regaining his confidence and would rather not talk about Fitzpatrick at all. He hopes this is his chance to retake the job that Fitzpatrick took from him when he had his jaw smashed into smithereens last summer.
Lord knows, if Fitzpatrick doesn’t return, Smith is the team’s best option. With second-year Baylor product Bryce Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg as the only other options, Smith is the lesser of the three evils in this scenario.
Needless to say, the Jets desperately need Fitzpatrick back. Now we’ll find out just how far the quarterback is willing to go to ensure he gets what he believes is a fair contract.