Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Fitzpatrick finds himself in new role

By Danny Jaillet | Aug 16, 2017

CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 11: Ryan Fitzpatrick /

Ryan Fitzpatrick has found a new role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, continuing his career.

What a couple of years it has been for Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Just a pair of years removed from being a starting quarterback, he is now the backup to Jameis Winston.

In the 2016 campaign with the New York Jets, Fitzpatrick’s performance was less than impressive. Throwing for 2,710 yards, 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, he did not have his best year. His best year was perhaps the year before in the 2015 campaign. He threw for 3,905 yards, 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. His stellar play translated to team success as the Jets finished with a 10-6 record, good enough for second place in the division.

Fitzpatrick’s improved play saw him demand a new contract in the 2016 offseason, however the Jets would not budge on Fitzpatrick’s contract demands. As contract talks became increasingly complicated, the Jets gave the former Harvard standout a deadline to sign a new deal, which he did right as his deadline expired. He came into the season hoping to reclaim some of the magic of the 2015 campaign, but it just never materialized.

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Now, Fitzpatrick is enjoying a new role as he looks to embark on Year 12 of his productive career. It is certainly a different role than what he played in New York, but he is on a team with a ton of talent and promise. Also different from his time in New York is the fact that he can now play the mentor role to Winston. Perhaps this is part of the reason the team signed him to a one-year, $3 million contract back in May.

Fitzpatrick performed decently in the team’s 23-12 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals to open the preseason. Completing 6-of-13 passes for 45 yards and a touchdown, he showed that he could still get the ball to his targets. His only major blemish of the day was an interception, something that is all too common in preseason.

Currently he is listed as No. 2 on the depth chart behind Winston. My guess is that he will stay there for the remainder of his Tampa Bay career. Winston is one of the most promising young stars in the NFL. He is still a very serviceable quarterback and is a great backup option if Winston struggles or is out due to injury. Although it may be a tough pill to swallow for him sometimes, this is often the case for veterans on the back ends of their careers.

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A lot can change in a year and for Ryan Fitzpatrick that adage certainly rings true. Just like in past years, Tampa is yet another stop on his NFL itinerary.

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