The New York Jets have reached an agreement with Ryan Fitzpatrick after a four-month contract stalemate. According to NFL Insider Adam Schefter the contract will be for one year, $12 million, and fully guaranteed.
Finally: Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jets reach agreement on 1-year, $12 million, fully-guaranteed contract, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 27, 2016
New York Jets Re-Sign Ryan Fitzpatrick
While the Jets wanted Fitzpatrick and Fitzpatrick wanted to come back, money was the issue. Fitzpatrick felt his season was worthy of $18 million while the Jets were weary of giving him that much. The Jets offered Fitzpatrick $9 million and kept that offer on the table for two months. According to NFL Media’s Jeff Darlington, the Jets increased their offer, but then included a 7 pm ET deadline to sign.
Fitzpatrick wanted $18 mill… then $16. Jets stayed on $9 for two months. Then, they raised to $12 with today’s 7 pm deadline. And voila!
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) July 27, 2016
It is possible for Fitzpatrick to get more money out of this deal however. Schefter also reported that the deal includes incentives. While Fitzpatrick will make $12 million for sure, he could also make an extra $3 million boosting the deal to a possible $15 million.
Ryan Fitzpatrick deal also includes another $3 million in incentives, which could boost value to $15 million, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 27, 2016
Fitzpatrick had the best season of his 11-year career based on his statistics. He had 3,905 passing yards and 31 touchdowns which were both career highs. His 15 interceptions were his lowest mark in the three seasons when he has started all 16 games.
Fitzpatrick’s season was also one of the best single-season performances in Jets franchise history. He is first in touchdowns (31) and second in passing yards (3,905), completions (335), and attempts (562).
Before Fitzpatrick signed, it appeared as if Geno Smith was going to win the starting job. The Jets also had former 2015 third-round pick Bryce Petty and recently drafted second-round pick Christian Hackenberg to compete with Smith. Smith was supposed to be the starter last year before he was punched in the jaw by former Jet IK Enemkpali. That opened the door for Fitzpatrick who took the job and ran with it. Fitzpatrick will have another chance at that job and will hope to bring the Jets back in the playoffs after narrowly missing it last year with a 10-6 record.
