QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, who will become a free agent in March, said he wants to play longer after what he has experienced in his last two seasons playing for the Miami Dolphins. Despite being 38 years old, the pitcher wants to stay in the NFL.
“This offseason, we already saw what happened with [Jared] Remember the [Matthew] Stafford obviously. Who knows what will happen to Deshaun [Watson]. There are rumors everywhere in the quarterback market, but there are several teams looking for a new quarterback or new ones. In my case I have to take every offseason and rearrange. These last two years have revived that fire inside of me and I want to continue playing and enjoy being on the field, ”Fitzpatrick said about it.
Ryan Fitzpatrick: Last two seasons re-lit my fire, I still want to play https://t.co/BshVetLQSy
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 2, 2021
Ryan Fitzpatrick’s years with Miami
In his career with the Dolphins, which spanned the 2019 and 2020 seasons, Fitzpatrick recorded:
- 24 games played
- 20 starts
- 494 completions of 769 attempts
- 5 620 yards per pass
- 33 TD por pase
- 21 INT
- 394 yards rushing
- 6 TD
The only two teams that posted better numbers as a pitcher were the Bills (11,654 yards, 80 TDs in 4 seasons) and the Jets (6,615 yards, 43 TDs in 30 games played). In addition, in his time with Miami he had a mark of 9 wins and 11 losses.
Given the good level he showed with the Dolphins in the last two seasons and the need in the QB position around the NFL for the 2021 Season, these are some options where we could see him:
1. New England Patriots
Fitzpatrick himself stated that he is open to play for the only team in the AFC East that he has not been through in his career. Cam Newton will be a free agent too and the Patriots saw that it was definitely not the solution. If Jarrett Stidham is still trusted as an option going forward, Fitzpatrick could be a good mentor. Mind you, he would need better options in WR’s position to be productive and effective.
2. New York Jets
Staying in the division but returning with an old acquaintance. Everything points to the now team led by Robert Saleh trading QB Sam Darnold, so regardless of whether Zach Wilson (BYU) or Justin Fields (Ohio State) is the new quarterback of the future, Fitzpatrick could play an important role. Similar to how it was with Tua Tagovailoa in Miami in 2020, although perhaps being more patient with the selected rookie.
3. Chicago Bears
Another potential destination that would become the ninth of Fitzpatrick’s career. It seems that Chicago would not extend QB Mitchell Trubisky, so only Nick Foles would remain in the position and in 2020 they saw that it is not a viable solution. Whether it’s to compete with Foles or help a rookie in the process, Fitzpatrick could join the Bears that advanced to the 2021 NFL Playoffs despite their limitations.
Here are some possible destinations for Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2021. Where do you think he will play? Fitzmagic the next season? We read you in the comments.
