The 2022 NFL free agency period has been running at a furious pace. As players continue to sign during free agency, predictions for QB Ryan Fitzpatrick continue to be discussed. Which teams in need of additional quarterback help could benefit from acquiring Fitzpatrick in free agency?
Predictions for Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2022 NFL free agency
Fitzpatrick is a national treasure, and I will not tolerate any slander to the contrary. Okay, but for real, Fitzpatrick is either Fitz-Magic or Fitz-Tragic, and you never knew which will show up. It’s what makes him so fun to watch.
Fitzpatrick signed a one-year, $10 million deal with Washington last season. Unfortunately, his year lasted all of 6 passes before the veteran suffered a hip injury in the season opener that eventually required season-ending surgery. In fact, the last time we saw Fitzpatrick at an NFL game, he was in the stands shirtless for the Bills’ home playoff game just as a fan.
After playing for nine teams over 17 seasons and coming off major hip surgery, the 39-year-old Fitzpatrick remains a free agent. He has been the ultimate bridge QB, always seeming to be the middle man between where a team is and where they want to be. His next role will likely be as a backup in the NFL (if that’s the role he wants).
If healthy, teams know Fitzpatrick is a reliable backup when called on. Go back to his time with the Miami Dolphins in 2019 and 2020. In those two seasons, Fitzpatrick went 494-of-769 (64.2%) for 5,620 yards (234.2 yards/game), 33 touchdowns, 21 interceptions, and a 90.5 passer rating. Fitzpatrick can keep an offense moving if the starting QB goes down for any length of time. Whether or not that happens or we’ve witnessed the last of Fitzpatrick is yet to be seen.
New Orleans Saints
After missing out on Deshaun Watson despite reportedly being one of the final two teams, the Saints quickly locked up Jameis Winston to a two-year, $28 million contract. He is the starting QB for right now. With that said, Winston is still rehabbing a devastating knee injury he sustained last season. During a horse-collar tackle, Winston tore multiple ligaments, including his ACL.
Reports suggest Winston is ahead of schedule. While that is great news, the Saints could sign Fitzpatrick in free agency as a “break glass in case of emergency” backup QB. Whether it is a delay in Winston’s rehab, a reinjury, or even him simply not playing up to par, Fitzpatrick would be ready to go just in case. After all, he’s seen just about every defense the NFL has to offer over his lengthy career.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons, whether they want to admit it or not, are in full rebuild mode. Trading away Matt Ryan to the Colts in exchange for a third-round pick confirmed it. Atlanta quickly brought in Marcus Mariota as the projected starting QB for 2022. Personally, I love the move for Mariota to get another starting spot. What concerns me is the rest of the depth chart.
Behind Mariota is Feleipe Franks. That’s it. Franks is a second-year QB out of Florida and Arkansas who had 3 rushes last season. I don’t know about you, but I feel the Falcons might be looking for a more experienced backup option in case Mariota were to miss any time.
Fitzpatrick would also be the perfect person to have in the QB room alongside Mariota. While he is a veteran on his own, Mariota could always use additional support to make the starting role stick this time. Although not the predicted QB some Falcons fans expected, a room of Mariota and Fitzpatrick would still be able to get the job done.
Jacksonville Jaguars
2021 was essentially a lost year for Trevor Lawrence. It was a crash course in how a franchise should not operate. The Jaguars have spent the last several months trying to undo the damage caused. Most recently, they hired Doug Pederson and added playmakers in free agency, such as Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and Evan Engram. The Jaguars have a sneaky good offense. While they are not ready to compete just yet, they’re finally moving in the right direction.
It’s hard to think of a better QB who could come in and help mentor Lawrence than Fitzpatrick. He has a wealth of knowledge to be handed out and can give Lawrence a jump-start to his career. At the very least, Fitzpatrick can help Lawrence forget whatever he was taught last season. The bearded wonder would also be an upgrade over current backup C.J. Beathard should he be called on for a spot start. While Fitzpatrick might still want to be a starting QB, most predictions suggest the wily ol’ vet will end up a backup should he choose to come back for one last rodeo.