There seems to be some anger in the Jets’ Nation towards Ryan Fitzpatrick in regards to his contract impasse with the team.
“It’s unfortunate that Fitzpatrick doesn’t see just how great the situation will be next season with the Jets because he wants more money and feels he’s double what he’s realistically worth,” wrote one Jets fan on Facebook.
“Fitzy stop being greedy and come back to Gang Green Nation,” wrote another.
Look, I understand the frustration of Jets fans. They want to know who their quarterback is going to be.
But according to Jimmy Sexton surrogates in the media, Fitzpatrick has been offered about the same money as Chase Daniel got from Philadelphia to be a backup. Daniel’s deal is a three-year contract for $21 million with $12 million guaranteed.
If Fitzpatrick greedy to want more than that?
Probably not.
What has thrown a monkey wrench into the Fitzpatrick negotiations is the largesse of Sam Bradford’s contract in Philadelphia (two years, $35 million with $22 million guaranteed) and the Brock Osweiler deal in Houston (four years, $72 million, with $37 million guaranteed).
Those two quarterbacks aren’t much better than Fitzpatrick. Or perhaps they aren’t better at all. Osweiler has started only seven games, so it’s hard to discern how he will perform as a team’s long-term answer. The Texans are taking a leap-of-faith. Bradford’s durability issues are well-documented.
Those two contracts are both over-the-top. The Jets are smart to avoid going into the rarefied air of that financial stratosphere.
The Jets got burned by going overboard with a contract last year, and it’s hurting them now.
Mike Maccagnan learned a valuable lesson from last year. Good for him. Smart people learn from history.
And he’s not going to make the same mistake by paying more than you have to.
But Fitzpatrick is doing nothing wrong for trying to get more than Daniel.
Now I wouldn’t give him a ton more than that, but they should up-the-ante somewhat.
We are so far away from actual games, and even the mini-camps, so he’s not hurting the team right now by engaging in a protracted negotiation.
What’s wrong with playing a little hardball in March?
Not much.
And it’s probably a little unfair to attack him for doing it.
To subscribe to the monthly Jets Confidential Magazine loaded with inside information on Gang Green, click below.
