NY Jets will succeed with or without Ryan Fitzpatrick

The NY Jets were 10-6 with Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm but now are faced with the possibility of life without him.

The Denver Broncos are the latest team to balk at Fitzpatrick‘s insane contract demands and they won’t be the last. Many fans and analysts have criticized the Jets for not keeping a quarterback who posted some of the best single season statistics in franchise history.

Fitzpatrick has been deemed a journeymen quarterback for his multiple ventures in a multiplicity of cities. Why has he moved around so much? Because Fitzpatrick is inconsistent, last season he had north of 3,000 yards and a great touchdown to interception ratio.

The problem is he had his interceptions in the most inopportune times last season and that was a major factor in the Jets missing the postseason for the fourth consecutive year. Fast forward to the NFL free agency period and Fitzpatrick is an unrestricted free agent, reportedly asking for $18m dollars per season.

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The Jets are smart for not paying and making the same mistake that the Buffalo Bills made when they fell in love with Fitzpatrick so many years ago.

They paid him like a franchise quarterback and he floundered, this new Jets’ regime is sticking to their guns with their evaluation of Fitzpatrick’s value and they have other options.

The biggest name being discussed is Robert Griffin III and though some people are saying this is a negotiating tactic for Fitzpatrick, should reevaluate. The Jets are legitimately interested in Griffin and they should be, who knows when Fitzpatrick will come to his senses and lower his asking price.

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) looks down field In the first half at MetLife Stadium.The Jets defeated the Dolphins 38-20. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets can’t afford to wait, the rest of the team is ready and raring to go and the front office should be improving the team and getting ready for the 2016 NFL Draft. The Jets don’t need Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick needs the Jets.

Outside of the Broncos, Fitzpatrick will come no where close to the success he had last season with another franchise. He knows that and more importantly the Jets and offensive coordinator Chan Gailey know this, that’s why they can feel so confident sticking to their number.

If the Jets do decide to move on and pull the trigger on another one of these viable prospects they’ll have their choice of the litter:

Griffin visited the Jets for two days including a dinner with head coach Todd Bowles and reportedly the Jets came away very impressed
The Colin Kaepernick rumors seem to be exactly that just rumors beyond any preliminary due diligence inquiry
Brian Hoyer was also reportedly discussed, but no real interest exists

Finally, the most recent reports have indicated another potential trade that was discussed:

Source: Jets and Bucs discussed a trade involving QB Mike Glennon this morning. My understanding is talks have cooled down.

— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) March 13, 2016

Glennon is an intriguing name from an older Tampa Bay Buccaneers regime that was intrigued with his prototypical size, rocket arm and high football intelligence. Ultimately Fitzpatrick’s stubbornness will lead him to miss out on the quarterback openings and push the Jets to make a decision in lieu of waiting.

The other option that no one is talking about is what’s already on the roster in Geno Smith or Bryce Petty. Petty red-shirted in year one and could be ready to compete for the starting spot. While Smith appeared destined for another shot, his destiny was changed by the knuckles of one IK Enemkpali.

Most fans have seen enough of Smith to never want him taking another snap, but the Jets are comfortable with the rest of the offense and think Smith or Petty can hold down the fort. Which leads to the main point of this article, the Jets will succeed with or without Fitzpatrick.

They have a great defense despite the losses through free agency. The Jets have a dynamic duo at the wide receiver position in Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. They added a versatile running back who can pass block and catch passes out of the backfield in Matt Forte.

More jets: Top 5 reasons why Robert Griffin III makes sense for the Jets

The offense is loaded and ready to go, the defense looks to continue its form and now they need a quarterback to not make mistakes and manage the game. No matter who is taking snaps next September, rest assured the Jets will be just fine.

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