New York Jets

It appears free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is ready and willing to accept a 1-year, $12 million guaranteed deal from the New York Jets.

Believe it or not, the first real news of the saga of Ryan Fitzpatrick and the New York Jets coming down has officially hit the desk of your office.

The first critical piece of info as it pertains to the veteran 33-year old quarterback willing to accept an actual contract is now here, and it’s from Gary Myers of the New York Daily News.

According to Myers, Fitzpatrick is ready to accept a 1-year, $12 million guaranteed contract from the Jets. The News has learned that Fitz has informed the organization of his willingness to accept such an offer.

This obviously means somebody from Fitz’s camp has contacted Myers to get this info out as soon as possible all in hopes to put the pressure back on the Jets side.

Reports recently surfaced – much to the chagrin of Fitz, as he felt it was leaked by Mike Maccagnan and the powers that be in the front office – that the Jets have offered the free agent a 3-year, $24 million deal that could reach $36 million with tough incentives. New York knows it desperately needs Fitz in 2016, yet wants him long-term at a very reduced price.

If this report is true, Fitz just ended the entire debate right here by letting the world know he’ll accept a deal for 2016 if that $12 million is guaranteed.

Here’s the contract specified via Myers:

— 2016: $12 million guaranteed. The Jets can prorate the signing bonus money over the three years of the contract. Although the breakdown of the 2016 payout is unclear, if the signing bonus is $9 million, for example, the salary cap charge for this season would be a modest $6 million. The $12 million is a nice raise over the $3.25 million he made last year. The three-year offer makes sense from the Jets’ perspective: They get a low cap number for 2016 and get Fitz cheap the next two years.

— 2017: $6 million with $3 million guaranteed. It’s a no-lose for the Jets. If Fitz is the starter, they get him for relatively next to nothing in NFL dollars. It he’s not the starter and they keep him, he’s a $6 million insurance policy for Hackenberg. If he gets cut, the Jets recoup the $3 million as long as Fitz signs with another team for at least that much. If he signs for less than $3 million, the Jets make up the difference. If he can’t find another job or retires after getting cut, they owe him $3 million.

— 2018: $6 million, no money guaranteed.

In essence, Fitz didn’t even ask for more here. He’s simply hedging his bets on his own performance in 2016 in seeking a better deal the season after.

There’s no way Fitzpatrick can sign the reported deal that’s already laid on the table. The money is a slap in the face for the years of 2017 and 2018.

The move is now yours Mikey Mac. Will you bet or check?

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Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com