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New York Jets: Fitzpatrick Standoff Always Due To One Reason

By Erik Lambert

Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the third quarter of game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. New York Jets defeat the New England Patriots 26-20 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the third quarter of game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. New York Jets defeat the New England Patriots 26-20 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /
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Having re-signed Muhammad Wilkerson, New York Jets followers are more perplexed than ever as to why the team can come to terms with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

It’s a situation that has continued the entire off-season. Most reports indicate that the 33-year old quarterback wants a certain dollar amount per year, even if it’s just a one-year contract, but the Jets have not and continue to be unwilling to meet that price. They’ve really dug in their heels on this issue, even to the point where they seem willing to go into 2016 with Geno Smith as the favorite to start. Certainly a terrifying idea for some fans.

However, there shouldn’t be a lot of mystery as to why the Jets brass have remained so steadfast in their handling of this. Fitzpatrick had a great year in 2015, the best of his career by far but they also know he’s an aging journeyman quarterback who had a lot of help from a strong offensive cast and a suffocating defense. Then there is the biggest elephant in the room.

Adam Schein of NFL.com laid it all out.

"“So, now that Wilkerson is signed, will the Jets bring back their quarterback?When it comes to this standoff, I still blame Ryan Fitzpatrick, who needs to remember he is Ryan Fitzpatrick and sign the deal.And if he does, there will be a ton of pressure on him to be successful early. Personally, I don’t think that would end well. His Week 17 clunker against the Bills — with a playoff spot on the line — still sticks out like a sore thumb.The Jets should not budge. Fitz should.”"

Indeed it may seem hard to believe that one game can decide the fate of a man and his future contract with a team, but when that game is the most important of the season things take on a different meaning. Fitzpatrick threw for 3,905 yards and 31 touchdowns last season, but his performance against the Bills in the season finale (16-of-37 for 181 yards, 2 TDs and 3 INTs) unquestionable cost them a playoff berth. Given how the team was playing at that point they were a legitimate threat in the AFC.

That’s not something a team can so easily forget. It’s also enough reason to put a set price ceiling on a player and basically telling him “take it or leave it.” In essence the New York Jets have given Ryan Fitzpatrick three choices. He can return at their price. He can go to another team where he’ll certainly make less money and probably be a backup. Or he can retire.

All because he played his worst game at the worst possible time.

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