How much longer can this go on?
Back in March, when the NFL‘s 2016 free agency period kicked off, it wasn’t overly surprising to watch the stand-off between the New York Jets and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick unfold. Even though both sides appeared to crave a reunion, there were many factors that might stand in the way of a potential deal. Determining the former Harvard signal caller’s market value would clearly be a complicated process, and one that would take some time to resolve.
Ryan Fitzpatrick Watch 2016: Who Blinks First?
From Ryan Fitzpatrick’s perspective, he felt he deserved to be rewarded with a solid financial commitment on his new contract, which is certainly a reasonable position to take, given the going rate of a starting NFL passer in this day and age. As the quarterback market established itself and other passers like Sam Bradford (two years, $35 million), Kirk Cousins (one year, $19,953,000 franchise tender), and Brock Osweiler (four years, $72 million), all received contracts with annual averages in excess of $17 million, Fitzpatrick undoubtedly expected to be compensated in kind.
After all, he had just posted the best season of his career, leading the Jets to a 10-6 record and tossing 31 touchdown passes in the process. Statistically, he had a better season than either Bradford or Osweiler, with numbers and win totals very much in line very much in line with those of Cousins.
From the Jets’ perspective, the franchise wasn’t ready to made a long-term big money commitment just yet, and was hesitant to make a multi-year offer with a high annual salary. While they made it clear they wanted him back, they made it equally clear that they weren’t going to break the bank to bring him back. As such, we’ve been witnessing a game of contract chicken that has gone on for approaching three months now. So who blinks first?
It’s hard to say.
As we prepare to enter the month of June, the game may be intensifying. The Jets spent a second-round selection in the 2016 draft on Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg, a move that the team hopes will pay long-term dividends, but not necessarily one that puts any immediate pressure on Fitzpatrick. Hackenberg has oodles of natural talent, but figures to be brought along slowly by the Jets’ brass, and doesn’t figure to take over as the starter in the near future. Meanwhile OTA’s are now underway, and the Jets’ QB room that currently contains, Hackenberg, Geno Smith, and 2015 fourth-rounder Bryce Petty, appears no closer to adding Fitzpatrick to the mix.
Just recently, the Jets leaked to the media that they have offered Ryan Fitzpatrick a contract that pays out $12 million in the first season of the deal, but new reports indicate that the deal is actually a three-year, $24 million pact, that would see Fitzpatrick take a steep salary drop over time, making $6 million per season in years two and three.
Certainly this is a lot of money, but not really the going rate for a starting NFL quarterback, and nowhere near what other passers have received this off-season. Fitzpatrick knows this, and so do the Jets. The issue here is leverage. Coming off last season, he should be in line for a nice pay day, but supply and demand is hurting him. Because this saga has drawn out for so long, Fitzpatrick finds himself with few options. Most teams that had a need at quarterback have filled it during the last three months, and as such, it becomes difficult to find a fit for him other than the Big Apple.
Ultimately, a reunion is the most logical and mutually beneficial outcome. The Jets took a big step forward last year, and can offer Fitzpatrick a chance to contend in 2016, with a stable of weapons that includes star wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, and do-it-all free agent running back Matt Forte. The team’s playoff chances however, take a significant hit without Fitzpatrick in the mix.
Both sides know what they have in each other, and this should ultimately work out in time, but the question is, “when”? This story figures to drag out a while longer before cooler heads prevail, but it’s certainly an interesting situation to watch. Here’s hoping an arrangement can be worked out so the team can build off it’s turnaround season and take the next step in 2016.
ORCHARD PARK, NY – JANUARY 03: Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the New York Jets follows the action against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on January 3, 2016 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images for New York Jets)
