OPINION: Who Needs Who More, Ryan Fitzpatrick Or The Jets?

Here we are in early June, and Ryan Fitzpatrick is a free agent and has not agreed to terms with his 2015 team, the New York Jets.

Jets, Fitzpatrick, Still Far Apart In Contract Talks

On January 22, Jets’ GM  Mike Maccagnan said, “Hopefully, we’ll be able to get something done here in the near future.”  Obviously, that has not been the case over four months later and there has been little conversation between Fitzpatrick and Gang Green.

According to ESPN, the Jets have offered Fitzpatrick a 3 year/$24 million deal, with $12 million coming in the first year and $6 million each of the final two years.  By signing Fitzpatrick to a multiyear deal, the Jets are providing some insurance for themselves at a low price.

Fitzpatrick on the other hand, is coming off the best year of his career at 33.  He has countered by saying he will accept a one year deal worth $12 million.  After missing out on a lucrative deal this offseason, Fitzpatrick is betting on himself and willing to take a chance in next year’s free agency period.

Fitzpatrick threw 31 touchdowns and 3,905 yards last season, but the Jets finished 10-6 and seventh in the AFC standings, losing a tiebreaker to Pittsburgh and missing the playoffs.  Fitzpatrick has never led a team to the playoffs, nor does he have age on his side, he is not worth $12 million for one season.

The Jets may eventually cave and give Fitzpatrick what he wants.  They do not have a proven reliable signal caller on their roster.  Their quarterbacks include Geno Smith, Bryce Petty, and Christian Hackenberg.  All young and unproven under center.

Throwing in a potential liability at quarterback could be catastrophic for this team’s playoff hopes.  Do you really think Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, and Darrelle Revis want to spend a year of their primes with a rookie, second year, or unproven quarterback taking snaps?  Even with Tom Brady getting suspended for the Patriots’ first 4 games, there is no real threat from the Jets without Fitzpatrick.

However, I think Fitzpatrick needs the Jets more than they need him.  If Fitz doesn’t sign, the Jets save money ad can focus on getting their young guns in the offense and getting some reps in.  Average quarterbacks like Fitzpatrick are getting paid more and more each year, the Jets could benefit in the long run by letting Fitzpatrick walk.

Fitzpatrick needs to prove he can still play the position if he doesn’t come to terms with the Jets, and also how can he face a decision of $24 million or nothing, and take nothing?  In a few weeks or so Fitzpatrick will realize that he probably won’t get a better off than this the rest of his career and decide to come into training camp with his tail tucked between his legs, like most players who decide to holdout for more money.