Free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is coming off the best season of his NFL career, posting career-highs in yards (3,905) and touchdowns (31). The 33--year-old quarterback is reportedly far apart with the New York Jets in terms of a new contract and is starting to pick up interest on the open market.
Fitzpatrick led the Jets to a 10-6 record in his first season in New York, and while many of teammates want him back in 2016, it's unknown if the Jets will lock up the veteran journey-man in free agency.
One team to watch out for is the Denver Broncos, as their front office has reportedly reach out to Fitzpatrick but, much similar to the Jets, aren't willing to pay the high price tag for the free agent quarterback. The Broncos have already acquired former Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez through a trade, but they lost out on retaining their former second round draft pick in Brock Osweiler, as he signed a huge four-year deal with the Texans worth $72 million.
The Broncos front office didn't want to overpay for an unproven quarterback, as Osweiler had only started in seven games in four seasons but did post a 5-2 record. While Denver didn't retain Osweiler, they are expected to bring in at least a couple quarterbacks and will look to have a quarterback competition prior to the 2016 season.
There have been reports that the Broncos have been in trade talks with the San Francisco 49ers about a potential trade for quarterback Colin Kaepernick, but nothing has seemed to materialize since Thursday. The Broncos are clearly keep their options open, and they reportedly could revisit talks with Fitzpatrick in the future.
It's seems like teams aren't willing give Fitzpatrick the contract that he is looking for despite the best season of his career, and it could likely come down to which ever team is willing to meet Fitzpatrick closest to his target contract number. Many believe that the Jets will be able to retain Fitzpatrick, but at this moment, the two sides are still far apart on contract terms. The veteran quarterback, who played college football at Harvard, knows that this will likely be the last large contract he will sign, and he is looking to capitalize after the best season of his career.
