NY Jets: Ryan Fitzpatrick causing unintended domino effect

When it comes to the NY Jets and their contract negotiations with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, whether he re-signs or not is causing an unintended domino effect.

The Jets don’t feel 100% comfortable with their quarterback situation going into the 2016 mini camp, and that is evident by them recently bringing in Robert Griffin III for a visit. Their negotiations with Fitzpatrick have stalled and may create a ripple effect come April, and that may force the Jets to make a decision that would negatively affect the organization going forward.

Adam Schefter tweeted this not too long ago:

Jets and free-agent QB Ryan Fitzpatrick are nowhere close to an agreement, with no deal expected anytime soon, per sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2016

There still hasn’t been any budging on either side. Denver proved all you need is adequate quarterback play to win the Super Bowl, especially with the defensive capabilities the Jets have, and it wasn’t the first time the big game was won with adequate play from the quarterback.

Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) scrambles with the ball against New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The final decision that Jets Nation is awaiting for when it comes to Fitzpatrick will have a major influence on the direction the team goes in the rest of the offseason. Even with the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft, it could push the Jets to make a big move to select a quarterback that could be needed to step right in and take care of business next season.

Hopefully, they don’t allow it to cause an unintended domino effect as a few popular mock drafts have them taking a quarterback in the first round due to their uncertainty with Fitzpatrick. It’s also accounting for the possibility that he regresses and doesn’t replicate the major success he had last season with the Jets.

Walter Football’s main mock draft page has the Jets taking Paxton Lynch of Memphis.

"20. I’m making this mock draft at the beginning of the second week of free agency. A lot can still happen, so forgive me if this is quickly out of date. However, as of this writing, is still on the open market, and the team hasn’t signed Robert Griffin yet. Charlie Campbell reported that the Jets have been scouting quarterbacks hard this offseason, perhaps well aware that some team would outbid them for Fitzpatrick (or knowing he’d ask for too much money). With that in mind, Paxton Lynch is a real possibility at No. 20, especially when considering that he is a great fit for Chan Gailey’s offense. New York Jets: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis Ryan Fitzpatrick"

More from The Jet Press

With that being said, Walter Football scout Charlie Campbell (referenced in the last quote) has the Jets actually going with Jack Conklin to bolster their offensive line no matter who is under center:

"20. The Jets were scouting the offensive tackles aggressively before the 2015 NFL Draft. Tackle was definitely in play for the Jets, and sources told me that general manager Mike Maccagnan really liked Giants tackle . A tackle next year could be an upgrade over the ineffective and possibly be the replacement for , who turned 32 during the 2015 season. New York Jets: New York Jets: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State Ereck Flowers Breno Giacomini D’Brickashaw Ferguson"

Lynch will be a very good quarterback down the road with the right coaching and development. He has the size, arm strength and accuracy to be a good quarterback in the NFL, and he does fit Chan Gailey’s system. However, the Jets have too many holes to fill, and they can wait for a developmental quarterback, like Connor Cook or Cardale Jones later on in the draft if they want another option this summer.

When it comes to Conklin, he’s the safest choice to make for the Jets since he will address a major need on their offensive line and be an anchor for years to come. Whether Fitzpatrick returns or not, it’s best they go this route and not use their No. 20 overall pick on a quarterback.

More jets: 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Jets select Taylor Decker

The Jets can win now with the team they have thanks to their stout defense and an upgraded running game, no matter who is their quarterback. While Fitzpatrick is causing an unintended domino effect in taking so long to decide what he plans to do for next season, it should not deter the Jets from upgrading other areas of need on the team such as their offensive line or upgrading their overall pass rush.

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