New York Jets: Ryan Fitzpatrick Ranked as Top 10 Free Agent Quarterback
By Nick Ziegler
Pro Football Focus recently released their top 10 quarterback free agents this offseason. Where did former New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick rank?
It was a really disappointing 2016 season for New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. After a solid 2015 season, Fitzpatrick regressed in 2016. His poor season was one of the many reasons why the Jets struggled.
Coming into 2016, the Jets had some high hopes for the season. After having a 10-6 record in 2015, many thought the Jets could compete for a playoffs spot. At the end of 2015, we saw Fitzpatrick begin to struggle with the Jets, as he played really poorly with a playoff spot on the line in Buffalo.
In 2016, he totaled 12 touchdown passes and 17 interceptions. His worst game came against the Kansas City Chiefs, as he threw six interceptions in that game. Fitzpatrick’s poor play eventually led to him being benched a few times during the season.
This offseason, the Jets decided to part ways with Fitzpatrick as expected, making him a free agent. Zac Robinson of Pro Football Focus recently released the rankings for the Top 10 free agent quarterbacks this offseason. Even though he struggled, Fitzpatrick came in ranked 7th, showing that there aren’t many good free agent quarterbacks. Here’s what Robinson had to say about Fitzpatrick.
"We’ve seen throughout the years just how streaky Fitzpatrick can be. 2016 exemplified what his absolute worst can look like, and his poor play showed up more consistently than it typically does in a given year. His days of starting are likely over, but if Fitzpatrick can accept that and slide into a backup role, he would add a lot of value to a quarterback room. His value would come with helping out young quarterbacks and potentially entering games in relief duty if required, where he may be at his best."
While Fitzpatrick did struggle as a starter in 2016, he could be a solid backup quarterback for a team. 2016 showed the Fitzpatrick’s days as a starter should be done. However, he can certainly go back to being one of the best backups in the league.