Fitzpatrick Thread -- Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jets agree to 1-year, $12M deal

[isired]

Did Macc just blink re: Fitz?

Did Macc just blink re: Fitz?

From Cimini...

The New York Jets remain in a contract stalemate with free-agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, but general manager Mike Maccagnan hinted Friday he's willing to improve the team's current offer.

"We like Ryan -- we'd like to have Ryan back -- but at the end of the day, it's free agency," Maccagnan told reporters on a conference call. "You go through it. At some point in time, hopefully, we can find a middle ground we're both happy with."

The Jets have offered Fitzpatrick between $7 million and $8 million per year, sources said. Fitzpatrick is thought to be seeking twice that amount. Obviously, a lot depends on the guarantee and the structure of the contract, so there appears to be flexibility for both sides.

But they remain far apart with very little, if any, talking going on.

Maccagnan chose his words carefully, refusing to issue an ultimatum and declining to reveal his contingency plan at quarterback. For the first time, though, he mentioned former starter Geno Smith as a fallback option, saying "he could definitely be a possibility in that role" -- meaning the No. 1.


Geno Smith could be a possibility to start at quarterback if the Jets aren't able to re-sign Ryan Fitzpatrick, general manager Mike Maccagnan said Friday. AP Photo/Bill Kostroun
The second-year general manager, commenting for the first time on Robert Griffin III's recent free-agent visit to One Jets Drive, described the visit as "a meet-and-greet."

Maccagnan said the organization was simply performing due diligence, reiterating that "our focus primarily is to get something worked out with Ryan."

Fitzpatrick, who replaced Smith (broken jaw) in training camp, led the Jets to a 10-6 record and set the franchise mark with 31 touchdown passes. He imploded in the final game, throwing three interceptions and costing the Jets a playoff spot. The team, also concerned about his age (33), doesn't want to commit big dollars.

Right now, Fitzpatrick has yet to generate much interest on the open market. The Denver Broncos reached out, but they're reportedly unwilling to exceed the Jets' offer.

So the impasse continues.

"We feel we have a very good situation for Ryan here," Maccagnan said. "He's a very good fit for us. Our goal eventually is to get Ryan under contract and go forward with that."

The futures of defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson and left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, 32, have also become hot issues. Ferguson, a 10-year starter, could be on shaky ground because of a $14 million cap charge. He could be asked to take a significant pay cut.

"Right now, I'd say he will be on our roster going forward, but we'll see how this thing unfolds," said Maccagnan, stopping short of a commitment.

Wilkerson has the franchise tag ($15.7 million), but he has been the subject of trade speculation. The Jets, pinched against the salary cap, could certainly use the cap relief. Maccagnan didn't rule out a trade.

"It's not something we're actively pursuing," he said. "We'll see how it plays out."

 

[Bigmoe]

More gamesmanship

"For the first time, though, he mentioned former starter Geno Smith as a fallback option, saying "he could definitely be a possibility in that role" -- meaning the No. 1."

 

[isired]

More gamesmanship

"For the first time, though, he mentioned former starter Geno Smith as a fallback option, saying "he could definitely be a possibility in that role" -- meaning the No. 1."

Yeah, 'definitely possibly' sounds about right. Not exactly a ringing endorsement.

 

[RMJK]

Nine days into free agency, Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick remains a free agent. Jets G.M. Mike Maccagnan hopes it doesn’t stay that way.

“He’s a very good fit for us,” Maccagnan told reporters on Friday. “Our goal is to eventually get him under contract.”

The Jets reportedly are offering Fitzpatrick “backup money.” Fitzpatrick reportedly wants a lot more. Maccagnan essentially confirmed that on Friday.

“At some point in time hopefully we can find a middle ground we’re both happy with,” Fitzpatrick said.

If the recent visit with free-agent quarterback Robert Griffin III was aimed at putting pressure on Fitzpatrick, Maccagnan squandered any leverage on Friday.

“It was more to do our due diligence,” Maccagnan said of the Griffin visit. “He was a player we looked at but our focus is to get something done with Ryan.”

No one else is currently pursuing Fitzpatrick, primarily because teams are waiting to see what happens with Colin Kaepernick. If/when the Kaepernick logjam ends (and if he’s not traded to the Jets), a quick market for Fitzpatrick could emerge.

I think Fitz will get us into the playoffs this year and help Pryce Petty develop a lot quicker. He's 10-11M when unproven starters get 18M. I think he signs for 20 M guaranteed (time will tell).

 

[gmf1369]

RG3 visits with Browns

RG3 visits with Browns

Free-agent quarterback Robert Griffin III visited with the Cleveland Browns, but a deal is not imminent, according to Mike Garafolo.

 

[BlindsideD'Brick]

Yeah, 'definitely possibly' sounds about right. Not exactly a ringing endorsement.

Maccagnan's POV towards Geno Smith appears to be a little different than some people within this fanbase.

That much seems clear.

 

[jetgreen13]

Maccagnan's POV towards Geno Smith appears to be a little different than some people within this fanbase.

That much seems clear.

would you care to elaborate brick??

 

[isired]

Maccagnan's POV towards Geno Smith appears to be a little different than some people within this fanbase.

That much seems clear.

I see it the opposite way: He's negotiating with Fitz, the best leverage he has is for Fitz to believe the Jets are happy to go with Geno, and the best he can muster is "that's definitely a possibility"?

If he believed in Geno at all he'd say something like "We'd like to bring Fitz back, but we're happy with where Geno is right now, we're ready to go with him." That's a statement that tells me they're getting used to the idea of life without Fitz, they're getting ready to move on.

Instead, Macc's 'possibility', statement says, "Come home, Fitz. We dont really want anyone but you." And there are 3 or 4 other statements that say the same in that article.

It's a puff piece designed to open talks and get the deal done, IMO.

 

[gmf1369]

would you care to elaborate brick??

have to remember before the "incident" Geno was progressing nicely in Gailey's system and was the named starter... so what if Fitz doesn't sign, they have Geno an experienced starter whom has a handle on Gailey's offense... it may not be an ideal choice by the fans but for an organization it gives them an ace in the hole to use, also gives the Jets ability to continue developing Petty without forcing him into the lineup...

this regime doesn't have ties to Geno, it isn't like Smith is a first round pick so he is affordable to keep around... the team won't get value in a trade for him, but they may get a compensatory pick after next year... right now Geno is a luxury to have regardless if we use him or not... also affords the team not to over pay Fitz, because Geno for one year could be the bridge to Petty...

 

[jetgreen13]

I see it the opposite way: He's negotiating with Fitz, the best leverage he has is for Fitz to believe the Jets are happy to go with Geno, and the best he can muster is "that's definitely a possibility"?

If he believed in Geno at all he'd say something like "We'd like to bring Fitz back, but we're happy with where Geno is right now, we're ready to go with him." That's a statement that tells me they're getting used to the idea of life without Fitz, they're getting ready to move on.

Instead, Macc's 'possibility', statement says, "Come home, Fitz. We dont really want anyone but you." And there are 3 or 4 other statements that say the same in that article.

It's a puff piece designed to open talks and get the deal done, IMO.

IMO as well..

unfortunately mac's "buffing" game seems to be lacking..

if smith is plan "B" why spring for dinner on griffin?? our guy is already in the locker room, right??

 

[gmf1369]

IMO as well..

unfortunately mac's "buffing" game seems to be lacking..

if smith is plan "B" why spring for dinner on griffin?? our guy is already in the locker room, right??

they kept Geno & Fitz as one two last year...

they said Petty can compete for backup, not guaranteeing he is ready to take that next step...

so if the above is a formula, Petty not ready they would need a backup to Geno if Geno is the starter, so kicking the tires on RGIII maybe their way of insuring they have an option to bring in to compete not only for the starter job but backup as well...

 

[jetgreen13]

have to remember before the "incident" Geno was progressing nicely in Gailey's system and was the named starter... so what if Fitz doesn't sign, they have Geno an experienced starter whom has a handle on Gailey's offense... it may not be an ideal choice by the fans but for an organization it gives them an ace in the hole to use, also gives the Jets ability to continue developing Petty without forcing him into the lineup...

this regime doesn't have ties to Geno, it isn't like Smith is a first round pick so he is affordable to keep around... the team won't get value in a trade for him, but they may get a compensatory pick after next year... right now Geno is a luxury to have regardless if we use him or not... also affords the team not to over pay Fitz, because Geno for one year could be the bridge to Petty...

& i would say remember smith does just fine in 7 on 7 drills with a red jersey on..

he's not without talent but the NFL game moves to fast for him to process to be successful..

that's not fixable at this level IMO..

 

[BlindsideD'Brick]

would you care to elaborate brick??

Don't take my word for it. Just read what Maccagnan is saying. Is it possible that Macc is using Geno as a way to gain leverage against Fitzpatrick in negotiations? I suppose, but that's not what I'm getting from his comments. Macc is suggesting that Geno Smith can be a better QB. Now, some fans might vomit at the very suggestion that this could be possible, but our GM is saying otherwise. He's saying "I'm not certain what Geno gives us, but he could give us something".

Macc might be playing a game of poker with Fitzpatrick. Or maybe, Maccganan sees some potential in Geno Smith and considers him a viable option alongside Petty and another developmental QB. Regardless, Geno doesn't appear to be the piece of human waste that some fans of this team say he is. At least, not in the eyes of our respected GM.

 

[mykcuz]

not a huge fan of glennon, certainly not to the point of giving up a 1st or 2nd for him. probably wouldn't even give up a 3rd, but could be talked into it i guess.

the thing that bothers me about him is if he's a good as some say he is, why did the bucs bench him for josh mccown in 2014 and then take winston the following draft? if he was any good, why was his team picking 1st overall.

i agree with ham that he's just a JAG QB. not really worth a high pick.

You're ignoring some things. First, Glennon could have been in ready that year, it doesn't change his potential. Imagine starting petty last year, then claiming he's a lost cause.

Second, Winston was considered the real deal, ready to start Game 1, and believed to be a guaranteed franchise qb. You don't get that opportunity a lot.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[mykcuz]

Don't take my word for it. Just read what Maccagnan is saying. Is it possible that Macc is using Geno as a way to gain leverage against Fitzpatrick in negotiations? I suppose, but that's not what I'm getting from his comments. Macc is suggesting that Geno Smith can be a better QB. Now, some fans might vomit at the very suggestion that this could be possible, but our GM is saying otherwise. He's saying "I'm not certain what Geno gives us, but he could give us something".

Macc might be playing a game of poker with Fitzpatrick. Or maybe, Maccganan sees some potential in Geno Smith and considers him a viable option alongside Petty and another developmental QB. Regardless, Geno doesn't appear to be the piece of human waste that some fans of this team say he is. At least, not in the eyes of our respected GM.

Fitz is holding out hope for the last pay day in his career, until he joins ESPN.
The jets gave him a fair offer, abs there is no market for Fitz outside of Denver panicking. There's also no urgency.

The jets have been clear, they want Fitz. They didn't tell him to blow off and offer geno an extension. Which would be cheap.
Either we have the same qb depth chart as last year, or geno and rg3 compete in camp with petty. If Fitz signs with Denver, it's because kap stays in sf or went to the Browns. So if Fitz is gone, there's a50% chance Cleveland signs rg3.

If we miss on Fitz and rg3, it's geno as our 1 and a vet backup/rep eater in camp.

I think we are in great shape. I think Fitz signs around the draft. We also have amazing cap room next year. What qbs are available next year?
If you're Fitz, the jets have you're ideal offense, an ascending defense (we now have 5 starting d linemen) you have forte, and next year the team can splurge in fa, and has a ton of draft picks, about 10.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Bigmoe]

E

Now, some fans might vomit at the very suggestion that this could be possible,

First and foremost we all have heard coaches and GM's and owners blow smoke while players are under contract .
Second and probably more important : I think it's more than " some" fans

 

[ucrenegade]

I really don't want to go through a season of watching smith a QB with loads of talent but a 10 cent head QB'ing my team, I would rather go through the fire with petty.

 

[butterscotch]

I for one don't like Monkeyhines. We are farting around with Fitz & with Mo now for two plus years. Sit down at the darn table & make a good offer & get it done or move on. I know many of you will say that this is the way it is done & you would be correct but it is not the only way. Be honest & get players to respect you. Negotiations don't have to always be about you against me it can be about US to some degree..

I am not there so it maybe unfair of me to say this but If Wilk stays or goes this may leave scars on this team because of what has taken place the last two years.

I like that the Jets are keeping their mouth shut but with Wilk this has been has been too long. Cap or no Cap make a team that players want to come & play for. Yes it takes time & I hope Woody is staying out of the way until he learns how to be an owner if ever.

Again, we have Geno, Petty & maybe two draft picks for young Qb's this year. Along with trades & FA's. no excuse get us a QB that is our future. I don't want to hear Cap problems get It done. That is what good GM's do!!!!!!!!

Now some say you need to be patient..... I am .......but I want to see us going in the right direction. I hope we are!


I really believe in TB but he needs the players. I just hope big mac can feed the beast.. He needs our support & he does need time.

Lets leave Monkeyshines to the Fish, Browns etc not the Jets

 

[Old#15]

I really don't want to go through a season of watching smith a QB with loads of talent but a 10 cent head QB'ing my team, I would rather go through the fire with petty.

If the assumption is that Petty still isn't ready and the choice is between Geno and Petty, I think you have to go with Smith. If for no other reason than I don't want to witness yet another 'not ready' QB's ruination. If your also assuming that the season is a lost cause then have it be with Smith and give Petty another year to figure it out. At least that gives Petty a chance for the future. Both Sanchez and Smith were not ready to play much less start when they did. Both the short-sightedness and arrogance of Ryan thought his great defense would overcome two QBs who had no business playing when they did. Our best bet is to have Fitz for another year or two and if Petty is ever ready it should be year 3 for him.

 

[butterscotch]

If the assumption is that Petty still isn't ready and the choice is between Geno and Petty, I think you have to go with Smith. If for no other reason than I don't want to witness yet another 'not ready' QB's ruination. If your also assuming that the season is a lost cause then have it be with Smith and give Petty another year to figure it out. At least that gives Petty a chance for the future. Both Sanchez and Smith were not ready to play much less start when they did. Both the short-sightedness and arrogance of Ryan thought his great defense would overcome two QBs who had no business playing when they did. Our best bet is to have Fitz for another year or two and if Petty is ever ready it should be year 3 for him.

If what you say is true ....we need to draft, trade or steal another Qb. In petty we trust does not cut it with me as our only long term option.