It’s not dumb

New Jersey – Is it dumb? Not sure I agree with that. These scenarios used to be quite common in the NFL. Having been a lot of them, I’m not sure they are dumb . . .

Steve Serby wrote a column today with a headline – “The offer that should finally end dumb Jets-Fitzpatrick face-off.”

I don’t think Serby writes the headlines, but I don’t think this contract dispute is dumb. If you remember the NFL scene from 10-20 years ago, these kind of contract disputes were common place. They happened all the time. I covered a lot of them. So I don’t think the Jets-Fitzpatrick is “dumb.” Both sides feel strong about their positions and are dug in. It’s not “dumb,” it’s business.

Here is what Serby suggested – “Fitzpatrick doesn’t want to accept backup money ($6 million) for 2017 in the event that he remains the starter. Got it.

“The Jets don’t want to pay him starter’s money ($12 million) for 2017 in the event that he becomes the backup. Got it.

“OK then: Two years, $21 million. $12 million for 2016, $9 million for 2017. $18 million guaranteed.”

I totally agree with the guaranteed money. Not sure how he would structure the contract, but I can understand him not wanting to get into the weeds for straphangers.

But for those who get the monthly Jets Confidential Magazine, you might have read my proposal in the last issues – “How about a three-year deal for $30 million with $18 million guaranteed?”

A lot of fans are pushing Geno Smith for the starting job. I don’t think that is the way to go. I view Smith as a good #2 quarterback. His pocket presence and field vision aren’t #1 QB material, in my opinion.

Christian Hackenberg needs a couple of years to develop. He has impressive raw skills (a rare arm talent), but he has a lot to work on. And based on what I saw this spring Petty could use a couple more years to develop as well. When you come from a college program that has no playbook, and the coach called one-read plays from the sideline, it’s like you are learning a new sport, trying to become an NFL QB.

Develop these guys right. Like the olden days. Take your time. Don’t throw them into the fire too early like so many shortsighted teams do these days. Take it real slow, like Aaron Rodgers.

To me, Fitzpatrick should be the Jets quarterback the next two years. So do Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker from what I gather. I love quarterbacks in their mid-30’s. The position is so tough, and they are so high on the growth curve, seen so much. Has Carson Palmer ever played better than the last couple of years? Jim Plunkett, Vinny Testaverde, Rich Gannon. I’ve named those guys before – QB’s who had a renaissance in their mid-30’s.

So based on the premise that Fitz will be the guy the next couple of years, the guarantee in the second year needs to increase. The current guarantee is $15 million. Get it up to $18 million. I think that is a good compromise.
3-years, $30 million with $18 million guaranteed.

And make the offer right before camp, so it will be tough for him to ask for much more. Don’t do it now.

July 5, 2016

Premium will return by 9:30 pm on Wednesday.