New York Jets: Ryan Fitzpatrick Is Not The Guy

Dec 7, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Houston Texans quarterbacks

Ryan Fitzpatrick

(14) and

Tom Savage

(3) throw before the start of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

This time of year starts the rumor mill going full speed. We hear of rumored trades, and rumored landing places for free agents, and we even hear the rumors of who our team will pick in the first round. I like to kick those rumors around on occasion, as it makes for a good discussion and it provides some entertainment during the slower news cycle.

Today I want to talk Ryan Fitzpatrick. More specifically I want to talk about the rumor concerning the Jets trading for Fitzpatrick. I’m hearing advocates for such a move among Jet fans, and personally don’t understand it.

Yes, I’ve said repeatedly that the Jets don’t necessarily need to fix the QB position long-term. I’ve said that the Jets only need to find someone to carry us through 2015. But, Ryan Fitzpatrick is not that guy and I’ll tell you why. Let’s take a look at Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Next: The Pros

Nov 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws on the run against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

I’ve called for the Jets to sign a veteran QB with NFL experience in a trade. I don’t like what I see in the free agency market. All the Jets need is someone to provide competition in camp and play efficiently through the season.

Ryan Fitzpatrick has the build of a NFL QB, standing 6’2″ and weighing in at 221 lbs. He was drafted by the St Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 draft. Fitzpatrick has made a good living for himself considering his draft position.

Fitzpatrick has been kicked around the league, never really finding a home, but somehow always finding a job. The 32-year-old veteran has played for the Rams, Bengals, Bills, Titans, and the Texans in his career.

The consensus among those advocating for his signing, seems to be that he had a pretty good season last year. He did throw for 2483 yards last year, putting up 17 TD’s against eight interceptions. Fitzpatrick posted his career high QB rating for a season, ending his 2014 season with a 95.3 rating.

Fitzpatrick played for Chan Gailey in Buffalo. His familiarity with Gailey and his system could be seen as an advantage going into a competition with Geno Smith.

Fitzpatrick is a very smart football player. His football IQ has kept him in the league for ten years now. Fitzpatrick knows the NFL quarterback position well. His signing might provide the young Jet QB’s with a ton of knowledge of the game.

More from The Jet Press

Next: The Cons

Nov 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws on the run against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Fitzpatrick’s age doesn’t preclude him being signed by the Jets, but it has to be considered. Fitzpatrick is now 32 years old, and will be 33 by the end of the 2015 season. He’s only played a full NFL season twice in his career. Both those seasons came with Buffalo Bills (2011 – 2012). Fitzpatrick broke his leg last season, so age and injury possibilities are a concern.

Fitzpatrick has not always been the QB the Texans got last season. Accuracy and efficiency have not been his strong suit through his career. Fitzpatrick has a career completion rate of 60% and a career QB rating of just 79.5.

Fitzpatrick is a losing QB. Lifetime, Fitzpatrick has managed just 33 wins, in comparison to his 55 losses. His successes have been short-lived and his failures have been epic at times.

Fitzpatrick’s turnover rate is unacceptable. Fitzpatrick threw 17 TD’s last season, but he threw eight interceptions in 14 games. Not very bad, but it’s the best ratio Fitzpatrick has ever thrown for. Career-wise, Fitzpatrick has thrown 123 TD’s against 101 interceptions. Add to that 54 fumbles in his career, resulting in 24 turnovers.