Days before training camp officially began, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick finally found a home, as the New York Jets gave him a one-year, $12 million deal. Another $3 million in incentives are included, which could boost it up to $15 million. The original offer was reportedly for $9 million, but the team increased the money on Wednesday.
The deal was officially finalized on Thursday, on the eve of Day 1 of training camp. Reports are saying that a three-year, $24 million deal was on the table for months, which Fitzpatrick refused to sign.
The team will now have to make room in the salary cap for the quarterback, as they have just $9.1 million in cap space.
Fitzpatrick set a franchise record last season with 31 touchdown passes. Head coach Todd Bowles announced that he would be the starter in Week 1 if he were to re-sign. Geno Smith will remain as the No. 2 quarterback now that the deal is done, and the team also has Bryce Petty, as well as drafted Christian Hackenburg.
As the negotiation process dragged along most of the off-season, the Jets reportedly had interest in the likes of Robert Griffin III and Brian Hoyer. As we know, Griffin moved on to Cleveland, while Hoyer is now a member of the Chicago Bears.
Fitzpatrick came to New York last season with a trade from the Houston Texans, now his sixth NFL team. In 11 NFL seasons, the quarterback has a record of 43-61-1 but no playoff appearances. His impressive season last year may prove that he is as close as he has ever been to the postseason.
The deal was officially finalized on Thursday, on the eve of Day 1 of training camp. Reports are saying that a three-year, $24 million deal was on the table for months, which Fitzpatrick refused to sign.
The team will now have to make room in the salary cap for the quarterback, as they have just $9.1 million in cap space.
Fitzpatrick set a franchise record last season with 31 touchdown passes. Head coach Todd Bowles announced that he would be the starter in Week 1 if he were to re-sign. Geno Smith will remain as the No. 2 quarterback now that the deal is done, and the team also has Bryce Petty, as well as drafted Christian Hackenburg.
As the negotiation process dragged along most of the off-season, the Jets reportedly had interest in the likes of Robert Griffin III and Brian Hoyer. As we know, Griffin moved on to Cleveland, while Hoyer is now a member of the Chicago Bears.
Fitzpatrick came to New York last season with a trade from the Houston Texans, now his sixth NFL team. In 11 NFL seasons, the quarterback has a record of 43-61-1 but no playoff appearances. His impressive season last year may prove that he is as close as he has ever been to the postseason.
