While the New York Jets failed to make the playoffs last year, their 10-6 record can still be viewed as a step forward for a franchise that has not had a ton of success in recent seasons. As one of the biggest surprises in the NFL last season, journeyman quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was a big reason for the Jets’ improved play. While Jets’ fans and the team’s management would love to have Fitzpatrick back in New York, there are still ongoing contract disputes. If the team is unable to agree to a deal with Fitzpatrick, the latest rumors are saying that former Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III could be brought in.
As previously reported by the Inquisitr , Fitzpatrick is garnering interest from other NFL teams. While the Denver Broncos remain the most likely team to steal Fitzpatrick from the Jets, the Broncos are currently unwilling to pay what he is asking for. In letting Brock Osweiler sign with the Houston Texans, Broncos general manager John Elway has proven that he is not willing to pay more for a quarterback than what he believes if fair. Regardless, the Broncos remain a threat to sign Fitzpatrick.
How serious are Jets about Robert Griffin lll?… Todd Bowles had dinner with RG3 last night https://t.co/tp963PfGrg pic.twitter.com/Bsyb7YeKo5
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaSports) March 12, 2016
As the New York Times reports, Fitzpatrick remains the Jets’ top priority at quarterback. While Fitzpatrick may be their priority, the team also recently had a meeting with Griffin. Jets General Manager Mike Maccagnan spoke about the quarterback situation.
“We feel we have a good situation here for Ryan, and he’s a very good fit for us. Our goal is to try to get Ryan under contract.”
And this is exactly what you would expect Maccagnan to say. While Maccagnan is probably truthful in the fact that he wants to get the deal done with Fitzpatrick, that does not mean that Griffin is not on his radar.
Last year, which was the best season of Fitzpatrick’s career, he threw for 3,905 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. In addition to leading the team to 10 wins, the Jets’ players also appear to want him back. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall has spoken a few times regarding how much he wants Fitzpatrick back under center in New York next season.
While Fitzpatrick’s record and numbers looked good last season, the Jets do not believe that he is worth the contract that he asking for. Gang Green Nation breaks down his contract demands and notes that they are in line with what the average starting quarterback in the NFL is receiving.
“The Jets are not to blame for this standoff with their words. The market is to blame. Fitzpatrick thinks he is worth a certain figure. The Jets think he is worth less. At some point, somebody is going to move, another team will enter the picture, or some combination of these things will happen. We have to see how this finishes. I wouldn’t blame anybody for anything until we have an outcome.”
At 33-years-old, Fitzpatrick is unlikely to get better at this point in his career, but he is now a proven commodity with the Jets. While he is not going to win games by himself, the team is comfortable with him and knows that he is at least a competent NFL quarterback.
RG3’s visiting with #Jets officials again today, but team’s focus remains on retaining Ryan Fitzpatrick as starter https://t.co/17jfTqGcAu
— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) March 12, 2016
If the Jets cannot agree to terms with Fitzpatrick, Maccagnan said that the meeting with Griffin was positive, as reported by NJ Advance Media .
“It was a good meeting [with Griffin]; it was more of a meet and greet-type situation with him, where we had a chance to sort of interact with him a little bit, sort of face to face. And if we decided we want to continue to follow that up, we’ll pursue it down the road at some point in time.”
At 26-years-old, Griffin is still young enough to turn things around. While things did not go as planned in Washington, Redskins head coach Jay Gruden never gave his public support to Griffin. With a fresh start with the Jets, Griffin could flourish with Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, and Matt Forte.
With Ryan Fitzpatrick’s future with the New York Jets still uncertain, rumors are going to continue to come out linking the team with Robert Griffin III. While the odds say the Jets will come to an agreement with Fitzpatrick, do not be surprised if Griffin is eventually signed.
[Photo by Evan Habeeb/Getty Images]