Geno Smith
Ryan Fitzpatrick says he's betting on himself with short-term contract
Geno Smith

Ryan Fitzpatrick says he's betting on himself with short-term contract

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:21 p.m. ET

For much of the offseason, the New York Jets weren’t sure who their quarterback would be. Geno Smith was the top guy for a few months while Ryan Fitzpatrick was at home holding out for a contract that suited his desires, but that’s no longer the case.

Fitzpatrick is of course back in New York after re-signing with the Jets in July. The man they call “Fitz” gives the Jets a fighting chance in the AFC East, which is all they can ask for, given the Patriots’ overwhelming success in the division. Last season was a pleasant surprise for the team and for Fitzpatrick, but they’ll be hard-pressed to replicate their 10-win 2016 campaign.

For Fitzpatrick, it’s not about his individual numbers. His goal is to accomplish something he’s never done before.

Fitzpatrick had a career year in 2015, throwing 31 touchdown passes and tallying 3,905 yards through the air. It earned him a new deal in July, though it’s just a short-term one that only guarantees he’ll be on the team for this season. As a result, Fitzpatrick still has to play well if he wants to continue making substantial money in the NFL.

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Fitzpatrick is confident in his own abilities, which is why he’s fine with playing out the 2016 season despite a lack of long-term security.

"I'm a better player than I was last year," he said. "I feel like I keep progressing. I don't know what the stats are going to be, but I'm going to be a better player this year than I was last year. I know that."

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