Josh Rosen On Not Starting, His NFL Future

We heard recently that Dolphins quarterback Josh Rosen wasn’t likely to play in the final two games of the season, but the second-year pro isn’t getting discouraged. During recent comments to the media, an open Rosen reflected on his year in Miami and his future in the league, via Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.

When asked if he was disappointed about not playing the final two weeks Rosen demurred, showing respect to Ryan Fitzpatrick. “No. Fitz hasn’t done anything to lose his starting position thus far so I don’t see why anything would change. I obviously would love to play if coach would call me up. I think Fitz has been doing a hell of a job considering all of the circumstances that have been going on this year,” he said.

Rosen added that he “absolutely” hopes to be back in Miami next year, saying “I like it a lot.” It’s long been assumed that the Dolphins will be drafting a passer early next April, which could mean Rosen isn’t starting anytime soon. Many in the media have already written Rosen off, but he isn’t getting discouraged about his longterm prospects despite the multiple setbacks in his brief career.

I’m very encouraged just in general day to day, in how I’ve developed and watching Fitz do his thing,” he said. “I’m still only 22 years old. It’s not really the window is opened and closed like that. But there’s a sense of understanding time and opportunity. I’m aware of it, but it’s all for you guys to write about more than for me to worry about. Opportunities will come and I’ll try to seize them.”

Rosen has two years left on his rookie deal at very affordable salaries, which makes his situation even more interesting. Assuming the Dolphins are starting a rookie next year, they could use Rosen as a cheap backup or seek to flip him for more draft capital. They won’t be able to get back the second-round pick they gave up for Rosen during this past year’s draft, but it’s possible there’s a team willing to give up something for him as a developmental project.

Fitzpatrick started the year off under center, but was quickly benched in favor of Rosen. The UCLA product ended up starting three games, tossing only one touchdown with five interceptions while completing less than 54 percent of his passes. After starting 13 games for the Cardinals last year his cumulative stats are obviously terrible, but the circumstances he’s been thrust into have been far from ideal.

Rosen has taken a lot of criticism since his college days for his alleged lack of leadership abilities, and he was asked about that on Friday. “I think a lot of that stuff just comes naturally. Comfortability, with guys in the locker room. The offense. Even just with walking around the building and knowing the names of the cafeteria staff. And the janitor,” he explained. “Just getting comfortable with where you are. And just kind of making it your home and getting comfortable with your people and your family. I think as that has happened a lot of the leadership qualities that I pride myself on have started to come through. Because I don’t think you can really step out and lead if you don’t know what you’re doing first.”

Rosen also had a lot of praise for head coach Brian Flores and his staff. It’ll be very interesting to see what happens next with the tenth overall pick of the 2018 draft, and where his bizarre career-path takes him next.

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