ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Washington Football Team has agreed with free-agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick that to a one-year deal worth $10 million. Schefter adds that the contract could grow up to $12 million with incentives, and that Fitzpatrick is expected to enter training camp as Washington’s starting quarterback ahead of Taylor Heinicke.
So, it seems quite likely that the 38-year-old Fitzpatrick will enter the 2021 NFL season as a starting quarterback.
Fitzpatrick threw 13 touchdowns passes and eight interceptions, to go with a 95.6 passer rating for the Miami Dolphins in 2020. He led the Dolphins to a 4-3 record in his seven games started, and played in nine games. He looked like Miami’s best quarterback last season, but the organization wanted to accelerate the development of 2020 first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa, which led to Fitzpatrick not playing as much as many evaluators thought he should have.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vfdjl1nxcUU
Heinicke impressed in one game for Washington in 2020. But he’s a 28-year-old who has attempted 77 passes in his career (with a 71.7 passer rating).
Washington needed to add more certainty at the position (if they weren’t going to draft a quarterback), and they’ve done that with the Fitzpatrick move. If the Fitzmagic can return for one more season, Washington — who has an impressive, improving defense led by Chase Young — can be a dangerous team in the very winnable NFC East.
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.