It’s official! Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick signed his one-year deal with the Washington Football Team on Thursday. The 38-year old said “more than three” teams were interested in his services during free agency. However, he decided on Washington for an “opportunity to play,” according to Sam Fortier of The Washington Post.
Entering year 17 in the NFL, Fitzpatrick said this was the most he was sought after in free agency during his career. He ultimately agreed on a one-year deal worth $10 million with an additional $2 million in incentives. He was not forthcoming which other teams were interested.
Fitzpatrick has been the ultimate journeyman. Washington is his ninth team. He spent the last two seasons with the Miami Dolphins. He started 20 games over that span, including seven in 2020. Despite playing well last season, Fitzpatrick was benched in favor of rookie Tua Tagovailoa.
In 2020, Fitzpatrick threw for 2,091 yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He completed a career-best 68.5% of his passes.
Never a long-term solution, Fitzpatrick gets an opportunity to secure the starting role in Washington. He also gets a rare opportunity to play with an already established good team. Washington is coming off winning the NFC East division in 2020.
Despite their 7-9 record, Washington is viewed as one of the young emerging teams in the league. They’ve added wide receiver Curtis Samuel to go alongside wide out Terry McLaurin and versatile running backs Antonio Gibson and JD McKissic.
If he can hold off any threat from Taylor Heinicke or Kyle Allen, Ryan Fitzpatrick has a chance to give Washington an experienced and stabled QB to lead their offense.
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