In the light of a new report that Ryan Fitzpatrick’s desired contract is too rich for the Denver Broncos, it’s beginning to look more and more like Super Bowl champs are in trouble at the quarterback position.
Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that Fitzpatrick and the Broncos have had an “initial conversation” but that the quarterback wants more than the Broncos are willing to spend. He added the two sides could revisit things later if both are still without partners.
This sounds eerily similar to conversations Fitzpatrick has already had with the New York Jets this offseason. The Jets have reportedly offered the Harvard grad backup money and do not intend to raise their offer, opting instead to let Fitzpatrick see if he can get more on the market.
Albert Breer of NFL Network reports the offer is slightly more than backup quarterback Chase Daniel got with the Philadelphia Eagles (three years, $21 million).
Based on his initial conversation with Denver, it appears the market is set for his services.
There are, of course, other teams that could potentially be interested in Fitzpatrick’s services. However, given the fact he’s never been a consistent quarterback and is coming off a surprise career year in New York at the age of 33, it’s not likely he’s going to see huge dollars thrown his way.
One can hardly blame Fitzpatrick for trying to land a big contract. He passed for nearly 4,000 yards last year with 31 touchdowns, ranking in the top half of the league in both statistical categories.
That said, it’s beginning to look like the Jets aren’t the only team that views Fitzpatrick as a limited passer.
For the Broncos, this doesn’t mean the end of the road at the quarterback position. The club is sitting back right now as it relates to the Colin Kaepernick trade sweepstakes but could still make a move there. Also, Robert Griffin III could be considered an option. Both quarterbacks have been rumored to be on the team’s radar.
Of course, if nothing else can be done in free agency, there is always Mark Sanchez, who was recently traded to Denver for a seventh-round pick by the Eagles.