New York Jets: Ryan Fitzpatrick solidifies quarterback situation

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Mar 11, 2015

Earlier this week, I wrote an article breaking down why the New York Jets needed to land a veteran quarterback like Ryan Fitzpatrick to help solidify their quarterback situation. As per a report by ESPN New York’s Rich Cimini, the Jets have agreed to terms with Fitzpatrick via trade with the Houston Texans much to my delight. The Jets will take his two-year, $7.25 million dollar contract and put him in a position to finally give them a reliable option at quarterback.

In return, the Texans will receive a late-round conditional 7th Round pick or a 6th Round pick depending on how much playing time Fitzpatrick has with the Jets. So far in free agency, the Jets have managed to make quite the headlines while dramatically improving their chances to succeed in 2015.

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With trading for Fitzpatrick, the Jets now have a definitive answer at quarterback without having to worry about Geno Smith continuing his regression. One of the big reasons why Fitzpatrick came aboard is to reunite with his old head coach in Chan Gailey dating back to their time together on the Buffalo Bills.

Gailey, now offensive coordinator of the Jets, will be sure to put Fitzpatrick in a position to succeed to ensure that the Jets field an offense unlike anything we’ve seen in the past. There is no telling if he will stick to a ground and pound mentality or even open things up in a spread offense.

Regardless, Fitzpatrick can handle either situation since he’s a proven veteran that has plenty of upside to continue performing well enough to win plenty of football games. While I don’t think it’s in the best interest for the Jets to have a quarterback competition this summer, there is no doubt that Fitzpatrick should easily outperform Smith in that scenario.

Last season, Fitzpatrick threw for 2,483 yards, 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions all while not playing a full season healthy. While there is some concern with his broken leg injury he suffered last year, he has plenty of time to recuperate to be ready for a stint on his sixth team in eleven seasons playing in the NFL.

What makes this free agency move so important is the fact that now Smith has an opportunity to learn the game in a different perspective. Gailey will surely overhaul some of his bad habits while giving him what he needs to perform better as a quarterback.

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws a pass during warmups before a game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

It is in my opinion that the Jets actually anoint Fitzpatrick as their starting quarterback while giving Smith a year off to learn the game all over again. A year off and away from the spotlight of being a starter would develop him better to see if down the road he could be the franchise quarterback option the Jets envisioned him to be.

While Fitzpatrick is not really a franchise quarterback per-say, he will be a nice stop-gap to help mold Smith for the future. While I don’t think the new regime of the Jets is sold on Smith for next season, I think they want to at least give him a chance at redemption at competing for it again at some point down the road.

Overall, this is a solid pickup for the Jets as they continue to rebuild their team to have a much more competitive team for next season and beyond. With other splashy moves done to solidify their cornerback situation via free agency, the Jets added a much needed big piece to their puzzle by landing Fitzpatrick to.

Next: New York Jets: Make statement with Darrelle Revis signing

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