Ryan Fitzpatrick says he's betting on himself with short-term contract
For much of the offseason, the New York Jets weren’t sure who their quarterback would be. Geno Smith was the top guy for a few months while Ryan Fitzpatrick was at home holding out for a contract that suited his desires, but that’s no longer the case.
Fitzpatrick is of course back in New York after re-signing with the Jets in July. The man they call “Fitz” gives the Jets a fighting chance in the AFC East, which is all they can ask for, given the Patriots’ overwhelming success in the division. Last season was a pleasant surprise for the team and for Fitzpatrick, but they’ll be hard-pressed to replicate their 10-win 2016 campaign.
For Fitzpatrick, it’s not about his individual numbers. His goal is to accomplish something he’s never done before.
Fitzpatrick had a career year in 2015, throwing 31 touchdown passes and tallying 3,905 yards through the air. It earned him a new deal in July, though it’s just a short-term one that only guarantees he’ll be on the team for this season. As a result, Fitzpatrick still has to play well if he wants to continue making substantial money in the NFL.
Fitzpatrick is confident in his own abilities, which is why he’s fine with playing out the 2016 season despite a lack of long-term security.
"I'm a better player than I was last year," he said. "I feel like I keep progressing. I don't know what the stats are going to be, but I'm going to be a better player this year than I was last year. I know that."
