Content available exclusively for subscribers
At a charity golf event, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick spoke to a couple of reporters. Here is what he had to say along with our analysis . . .
He also spoke to SiriusXM NFL Radio.
“It’s just been a process,” Fitzpatrick told SiriusXM about his contract dispute. “I think the good thing about it is a lot of it has happened, discussions and everything, behind closed doors. We’ll keep it that way, and just try to get something worked out. I think both sides have done a good job at not necessarily airing grievances to the public.”
This is true to a certain degree. There is no question the Jets, and Fitzpatrick himself have stayed away from airing grievances publicly.
The same can’t be said for his representatives. Somebody from his agency was leaking stuff to a couple of insiders, mostly Adam Schefter. Remember a couple of insiders were talking about have the Jets were offering half of what the player wanted. They claimed the Jets were offering around $7-8 million and Fitz wants $15.
That chatter has calmed down in recent weaks. Perhaps they piped down after questions to Mike Maccagnan, following the draft, from Jets Confidential and Chris LoPresti (WFAN), about the other side negotiating in the press. We aren’t looking for any credit, just saying that when JC and LoPresti basically called them up publicly, the chirping stopped. As Louis Brandeis once said, “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.”
But for the most part, it’s remained very cordial and civil, no real vitriol. This isn’t a Schwartz-Feinsod vs. the Jets-type negotiation.
Fitzpatrick was asked about the retirement rumors from before the draft floated by Schefter perhaps via Sexton.
“I’m playing,” he told ESPN. “I’m playing football next year.”
It’s interesting that ESPN asked him about the rumors, mentioning the rumor like they didn’t know where it came from, when it emenated from them, but that’s another story.
This is one of those negotiations/disputes where both sides have a legitimate argument.
Fitzpatrick had a solid seasons last year overall. Obviously there were a few rough games, but the entirety of his work was one of the better QB seasons in Jets history.
He wants to be paid like Brock Osweiler, who is getting about $17 million-a-year from Houston.
Can you blame him?
Yes, Osweiler is much taller (6-7 to 6-2), has a better arm and is much younger (25 and Fitz is 33). But honestly, nobody knows at this point that he’s better than Fitz. Osweiler has started a total of seven NFL games in four years.
However there is no way the Jets should go anywhere near that contract. It’s a reckless deal, and was driven by owner Bob McNair, who is approaching 80, and “wants results now” to use an old Leon Hess quote. The owner demanded his GM and coach fix the QB situation which has been holding that team back for quite some time. So they threw a truckload of money at Osweiler. It could work out great, but right not it has to be considered a leap of faith.
So you can understand Fitz wanting to be paid like Osweiler who hasn’t proven he’s better than Fitz. However, the Jets are smart to throw cold water on that one.
However, paying Fitz like Eagles backup Chase Daniel is unfair. The Jets offer out of the gate in free agency was around $7 million per, according to the aforementioned leaks.
That is clearly a lowball deal. To me, the landing spot is around $10 million per.
The Darrelle Revis contract doesn’t help the Jets. He’s also getting $17 million this year coming off a pedestrian season. Even with his shortcomings, you could make the argument Fitz contributed more to the Jets 10-6 season last year than Revis.
But another factor to consider. I don’t think the Jets are in an ideal place financially now. They are doing okay, but not as great as some other years. Ticket sales are sluggish and Woody Johnson probably isn’t feeling too good about all the money had donated to Jeb Bush’s campaign for naught. So the Jets’ current financial mindset that can’t be helping Fitz either.
May 23, 2016
Premium will return by 9:30 pm on Tuesday.