NEW YORK CITY, NY – The New York Jets looked to be making headway earlier this week, when contract talks with Ryan Fitzpatrick started to make some progress. Initially, the Jets offered Fitzpatrick a three year deal with the details mentioned below.
While #Jets have OTAs, this offer waits for Ryan Fitzpatrick: 3 yrs, $24M that can be $36M with incentives. $12M in yr 1. More than $15M gtd
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 31, 2016
This was not a deal that Fitzpatrick liked, and the stalemate has stood at that point up until Wednesday.
Fitzpatrick then made a counter offer of his own, that was verified by various sports media outlets.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is reportedly willing to accept a one year, $12 million offer from the Jets https://t.co/lqJX6GHWVV pic.twitter.com/3CAmgb5JbA
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 2, 2016
This looked to be very positive, because the Jets need Fitzpatrick point blank. The contract seems like a lot of money, but could work. If Fitzpatrick doesn’t live up to the hype, then he will only be under contract for just that year. Plus the Jets still have Geno Smith, Bryce Petty, and rookie Christian Hackenberg as respectable backup options . That $12 Million is still a bargain for a starting NFL quarterback.
New York is under pressure to re-sign Fitzpatrick who got them 10 wins last season, and one win from the postseason. However, the one year deal Fitzpatrick offered is not something that the Jets wanted to agree on.
Jets are not interested in giving Ryan Fitzpatrick a 1-year, $12 million deal, per sources. Will not be happening.
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) June 2, 2016
Training camp will be right around the corner for NFL teams in mid-July. With a little over a month left until then, it will be very important for the Jets to get their leader re-signed. The summer is where quarterbacks get those reps in, and work out the kinks with returning and new personnel.
Though both sides have yet to find an even compromise, the fact that the two sides are working to make something happen is a good sign. The Jets need Fitzpatrick and Fitzpatrick needs the Jets. There’s no question that an agreement will be made between the two, but for how long and for how much will remain to be seen. New York faithful should expect to be kept waiting longer than they should for their bearded quarterback.
Despite chatter over past week, Jets and Ryan Fitzpatrick are not any closer to a deal. Salary stalemate continues. And could for a while.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 1, 2016
Barry Holmes is a Senior Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732
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