The ramifications of Ryan Fitzpatrick returning

In 2015, the New York Jets had no idea what they would get out of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. He’s yet to re-sign and the ramifications of his return are huge in the grand scheme of things.

Last season, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick put up a year that can only be described as legendary from the most important position on the team. Of course he fell short with everything on the line in the season finale loss against the Buffalo Bills but from a statistical, leadership and overall snapshot of what Fitzpatrick did, he exceeded expectations.

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Fitzpatrick totaled 3,905 passing yards, 335 completions, 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He was a catalyst on offense and turned the Jets into a contender when no one expected it from a journeyman quarterback that has been on six different teams so far in his NFL career.

Not only was he loved all across the city that never sleeps, “Fitzmagic” took off throughout the regular season as fans and analysts loved what he brought to the table. Whether it was funny interviews, his epic beard or his tough-as-nails mentality, Fitzpatrick developed into an icon for the Jets.

Due to all this and his spectacular season yet abysmal finish to it all, he’s been at a standoff with the Jets in regards to coming back to the team that surrounded him with top talent and leadership above him. It’s no secret that he deserves a pay-raise but at the same time, has to understand that he’s not worth his ridiculous asking price.

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However, what happens if somehow, someway, a deal does come to fruition and Fitzpatrick returns to the Jets?

Based on his actions so far this offseason and how he’s asking for an incredible amount of money for his return, his image has already been tarnished.

If he does come back, his entire image will need to be reestablished. Not only would he have to prove his worth yet again but it would be quite the situation if he doesn’t live up to what he did last season with the Jets.

If he could replicate or even exceed everything he did in 2015, all will be well. If he doesn’t however, fans won’t forget everything he put the franchise through to bring him back. One thing about fans of the Jets and New Yorkers especially – we don’t forget anything.

If he does return, it’s very possible that the majority will feel a certain way due to his arrogance with asking for so much money and how he publicly described the offer the Jets put on the table as low-balling him. As previously mentioned, he absolutely deserves a nice bump in pay, but not to the tune of investing so much money into him that inhibits the team from making acquisitions in the future.

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Overall, should Fitzpatrick return, he’ll once again have a long road towards not only having fans believe in him once again but deliver big time in a redemption kind of role thanks to this contract standoff. If he gets what he’s asking for or the Jets raise their initial offer to bring him back, he’ll have a whole lot more to prove to the big apple that he’s worth every single penny.