Ryan Fitzpatrick Expected To Hit Open Market

Ryan Fitzpatrick is expected to hit the open market, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). The Jets and the quarterback are far apart on a potential deal, he adds. Last week, it was reported that the Jets’ offers to Fitzpatrick so far haven’t necessarily reflected the going rate for starting quarterbacksRyan Fitzpatrick (Vertical)

Fitzpatrick enjoyed a career year in his first season for Gang Green. The veteran threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 31 touchdowns against just 15 interceptions. After earning just $3.25MM last season, the 11-year veteran is pushing for a pay bump and some have speculated that he could command a salary of $10-15MM per season.

Although Fitzpatrick looks like a hot commodity, his value is still difficult to pin down. On one hand, Fitzpatrick guided the Jets offense extremely well in 2015 and talent at the quarterback position is scarce. On the other hand, some would argue Fitzpatrick represents a decent transitional option at best, and pessimists could point to his solid campaign as a fluke. For the Jets, the bottom line is this: Fitzpatrick is the best option they have and they simply can’t afford to let him go. A two-year deal with a $16-$18MM value would be ideal for Gang Green, but the club may have to go a little higher than that to retain its starting QB.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

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