New York Jets: Making the case for Ryan Fitzpatrick

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Mar 10, 2015

Without question, the New York Jets certainly can’t head into next season with just Geno Smith and Matt Simms as their only quarterback options. They already made headlines just a few days ago by landing wide receiver Brandon Marshall via trade but the reality is, it won’t mean much if they don’t have someone proven to throw the football.

This is where it’s important the Jets add one soon to make sure they are in a position to succeed, someone like Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Based on a report by Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com, the Jets have shown interest in what it would take to to acquire Brian Hoyer. Unfortunately, he’s may be off the market since it appears the Houston Texans are ready to sign him once free agency starts, much to the dismay of fans who wanted to see tag along with the Jets.

More from New York Jets

Due to this latest development and the fact that the Texans will also re-sign quarterback Ryan Mallett, it only makes sense that the Jets now shift their sights to see if they can land Fitzpatrick. Brian Costello of the New York Post has made it clear that it looks like Fitzpatrick will most likely be released and headed to free agency.

In my opinion, should the Jets secure Fitzpatrick, they should immediately announce him their starter for 2015. Enough with the games and “quarterback competitions” as the Jets need to give Smith a year or so off so he can learn the game and master his craft via the sidelines.

General manager Mike Maccagnan has some history with Fitzpatrick from their time spent last season with the Texans. Considering he’s coming off a year that saw Fitzpatrick throw for 2,483 yards, 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions, he’s a much better option to head into next season with than any quarterback on the Jets’ current roster.

With a new head coach and general manager in town, the Jets are building up their reputation and making all the right steps towards redemption. I think owner Woody Johnson did a fantastic job bringing in Todd Bowles and Maccagnan to handle their duties respectively since so far, they’ve been making all the right moves.

Of course we won’t know how it’ll all pan out until the season is upon us, but it’s been much better than what the Jets have been doing for the past few years. Both Bowles and Maccagnan are respected in their fields as they are two highly intelligent men when it comes to making smart football decisions. Now they will try their hand in fixing the quarterback situation of the Jets.

I’ve been a firm believer in that Smith can indeed be salvaged but he needs a hard reset. He needs to be put in a backup role for at least a year or two and learn the game all over again. Bringing in Fitzpatrick would give the Jets a an eleven year veteran under center while also giving Smith time to develop under him.

Put in the right system and given a fresh start, Fitzpatrick would come right in and give the Jets a reliable quarterback option to get the job done. Considering the likelihood that the Jets will still be a ground-and-pound rushing team, I’m sure new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey would give him an offensive system he will thrive in.

Nov 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback

Ryan Fitzpatrick

(14) throws on the run against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Gailey has a knack for playing to his players strengths and he should be able to further develop Smith and also give Fitzpatrick the right situation to win plenty of football games. Once the Jets add some more play-makers on offense and actually acquire a veteran like Fitzpatrick, things will surely be better next season than what was the disaster of last year at the position.

Overall, Fitzpatrick to the Jets would be a solid move and truly be a win-win situation for everyone involved. Fitzpatrick has the skill set to perform well and who knows, perhaps working in a new market in the sports capital of the world could motivate him to really step up and become the quarterback the Jets have so desperately needed for years.

Next: New York Jets: Mike Maccagnan already making strides

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/New York Jets