Should the New York Jets Re-sign Ryan Fitzpatrick?

Ryan Fitzpatrick posted a record-setting performance with the New York Jets in 2015. Both the team and the player want to return in 2016. But the price must be right for both parties.

It took a punch to the jaw of Geno Smith for it to occur, but Ryan Fitzpatrick became the starting quarterback for the New York Jets in 2015. There was cautious optimism, as Fitzpatrick had experience in the offense with Chan Gailey, and is known as a smart player. The knock was that he never won anywhere.

How did he do? Quite well. “Fitzmagic” threw for a career-best 3,905 yards and a team-record 31 touchdown passes while leading the Jets to 10-6 record and a near-playoff appearance.

However, he did throw 15 interceptions, with three of them coming in the final must-win game of the 2015 season, a 22-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Orchard Park. That may have lowered his value just a bit, but most Jets’ fans believe that Fitzpatrick is the perfect bridge to a young quarterback and that the team should sign him for 2016 and beyond.

Ryan felt comfortable with the Jets, especially with his main weapon, prolific wide receiver Brandon Marshall, and wants to return. The team wants to bring him back as well, hopeful to sign him in the “near future” (according to Rich Cimini of ESPN) while the team still holds exclusive negotiating rights.

Marshall enjoyed a huge year thanks mainly to the veteran quarterback, catching 109 passes for 1,502 yards and 14 touchdowns – the latter tying for the league lead.

Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) celebrates his touchdown catch against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

“I believe now that I’m better than at any point in my career – physically, mentally, all that stuff,” said the Jets’ veteran signal-caller to Steve Politi of NJ.com earlier this month. It’s certainly hard to argue that fact considering Fitzpatrick started all 16 games for just the second time in his 11-year NFL career.

Last season, via the fine folks at Spotrac, Fitzpatrick’s base salary was $3.25 million. Clearly, he outplayed that number and deserves a raise to come back or ultimately to sign with another team. Via Cimini, some experts placed his future salary at $10-$12 million prior to the final game.

Keep in mind that, including the current offseason, three of the Jets’ major defensive players have expiring contracts down the road as well. Currently, Muhammad Wilkerson and Damon Harrison are set to become free agents, and Sheldon Richardson‘s contract expires after next season. With all of their running backs set to be free agents as well, the team is going to have to pay to retain players, or sign others to fit the bill.

Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 22 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Fitzpatrick is going to be the starter for one or perhaps two more years. In negotiating this figure, general manager Mike Maccagnan must work with the future in mind. Should he get a raise that tops out around $10 million? He certainly appeared to have earned it.

“He’ll be back,” said Marshall to Politi. “Talent only takes you so far. He earned everything he’s going to get. I’m just honored to be his teammate and I look forward to a couple more years.”

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But if the negotiation goes too far past that figure, the Jets must consider going elsewhere, and saying goodbye to the Fitzmagic. They cannot leave themselves cash strapped by a journeyman quarterback.

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