Jets Have Discussed Signing A Veteran QB If They Can’t Get Deal Done With Ryan Fitzpatrick

June 15, 2016

Jets HC Todd Bowles told reporters on Wednesday that they’ve discussed the idea of possibly signing a veteran quarterback if they’re unable to re-sign QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, per Kimberley Martin.

The idea of the Jets being an option for Nick Foles has been floated in recent weeks, as it’s become clear that he’s unlikely to remain with the Rams for much longer. As of now, Los Angeles appears to be holding out for a draft pick for Foles, but that could change as training camp draws closer.

The free agent market is unsurprisingly limited in terms of available quarterbacks. Some notable free agents include: Matt Flynn, Michael Vick, Tarvaris Jackson, Jimmy Clausen, T.J. Yates and Charlie Whitehurst.

As for Fitzpatrick, recent reports have said that the two sides have made no progress towards an agreement in the past few weeks. Bowles mentioned earlier in the week that they don’t have a “drop-dead deadline” for re-signing Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick is currently missing practice time during minicamp, but this probably isn’t that big of an issue, considering that he has four years in Chan Gailey’s system.

The Jets are reportedly offering Fitzpatrick a three-year, $24 million contract with $12 million being paid out in year one, but he’s looking for better compensation in the final two years of the deal. The problem for Fitzpatrick comes down to the simple fact that the Jets are really his only option right now.

Fitzpatrick, 32, played out the final year of his two-year, $7.5 million contract that included $4 million guaranteed and is currently the best quarterback still available in this year’s market.

In 2015, Fitzpatrick threw for 3,905 yards while completing 59.6 percent of his passes to go along with 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Pro Football Focus has Fitzpatrick rated as the No. 27 quarterback out of 37 qualifying players.

We have him featured in our Best Available Free Agents list.