Ryan Fitzpatrick is reportedly ready to end stalemate with Jets, sign deal
It looks like the New York Jets will have their answer at quarterback in 2016 — and it will be a very familiar one.
According to the New York Daily News, Ryan Fitzpatrick is willing to sign a one-year, $12 million guaranteed deal with the club.
The $12 million guaranteed reportedly is the same amount the Jets offered in the first year of the three-year, $24 million deal that Fitzpatrick was reluctant to sign earlier in the offseason.
Fitzpatrick appears to be betting on himself instead of opting for long-term security after throwing for a franchise-record 31 touchdowns and a career-high 3,905 yards.
Despite his gaudy numbers, the 33-year-old quarterback didn't receive the long-term offers he was seeking. Fitzpatrick guided the Jets to a surprising 10-6 mark last year, just missing the playoffs.
And now comes word that the Jets might not be willing to offer the short-term deal Fitzpatrick suggested.
Earlier this week, the contract details of the three-year deal leaked, a sign that talks possibly were turning ugly. The deal would have paid Fitzpatrick $6 million each of the final two years, well below the average for starting quarterbacks. If he hit incentives, the total value of the deal could have ballooned to $36 million.
The 11-year veteran has been a journeyman, playing for six teams. His inconsistent career and his age probably discouraged teams from giving Fitzpatrick long-term money.
