The New York Jets are getting into win-now mode, which includes getting a quarterback upgrade. Ryan Fitzpatrick is heading back to the AFC East.
A source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the Houston Texans are sending Fitzpatrick to the Jets, in exchange for a conditional seventh-round draft pick. That could become a sixth-rounder, depending on how well Fitzpatrick performs with the Jets.
Fitzpatrick was signed to a two-year, $7.25 million deal in March 2014, just after the Texans traded Matt Schaub to the Oakland Raiders. The Jets will pay his $3.25 million base salary for 2015.
The Texans are opting for two former Tom Brady back-ups for 2015. They re-signed Ryan Mallett, then signed free agent Brian Hoyer.
While Fitzpatrick didn’t have an awful 2014, he was eventually benched for Mallett. As USA Today notes, he ended up returning to the field, but suffered a broken leg. In 14 games, Fitzpatrick had 17 touchdowns and threw for 2,483 yards.
The Jets have been aggressive this offseason in the hopes of competing with the New England Patriots in the AFC East. Their biggest move was signing Darrelle Revis.
They will have a new head coach, Todd Bowles. Chan Gailey, the Jets’ offensive coordinator, worked with Fitzpatrick in Buffalo.
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