Ryan Fitzpatrick is bringing his “FitzMagic” to Washington for the 2021 NFL season. According to multiple reports, the veteran quarterback agreed to a one-year deal with the Washington Football Team.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Fitzpatrick will receive $10 million this season while being able to earn an additional $2 million through incentives. Schefter adds that Washington views the 38-year-old veteran as their top choice for starting QB ahead of Kyle Allen and Taylor Heinicke.
Fitzpatrick spent the last two seasons with the Miami Dolphins. He started 20 games, leading the franchise to a 9-11 record while throwing for 5,620 yards and 33 touchdowns.
While the Dolphins showed interest in bringing back Fitzpatrick for another year, he would almost certainly be a backup to last year’s No. 5 pick Tua Tagovailoa. Washington, on the other hand, offered him a clearer pathway to the starting role.
Washington is still on the lookout for their franchise quarterback, but the organization recognized the opportunity to compete in the NFC East even with a mid-tier starter like Ryan Fitzpatrick. They managed to win the divisional title in 2019 despite starting three different quarterbacks: Dwayne Haskins, Allen, and Alex Smith. They also put up great resistance to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the playoffs with Heinicke under center.
Ryan Fitzpatrick entered the NFL in 2005 and has since played for eight different organizations, including the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Buccaneers. He has 34,977 career passing yards, 10th among all active QBs.
