Should the Eagles Have Held Out for Ryan Fitzpatrick?
Source: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images North America
By now, many of you are likely aware that free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract with the New York Jets. Fitzpatrick returns to the Jets, coming off of a career-year, in which he threw for over 3,900 yards with a career-high 31 touchdowns. Obviously, the "Amish Rifle" is glad to be able to report to camp, although the ride wasn't exactly smooth. Both parties agreed to the one-year deal, after a nearly four month contract dispute, which included a 3 year, $24 million offer by the Jets -- one that many considered to be a low-ball offer. With that said, an interesting discussion on today's episode of 94 WIP's The Mike & Ike Show got me to thinking -- could the Eagles have held out for Fitzpatrick?
Back in March, the Eagles and current signal-caller Sam Bradford beat the buzzer on a contract, in what many view as an overpay for Bradford's services. The terms of the contract were two years, $36 million with a whopping $22 million guaranteed. That's a staggering amount of money for a player that has never lived up to the hype that surrounds his status as a former Heisman Trophy winner, and a former first overall selection in the NFL Draft. At the time, fans weren't happy, but they opted to live with it. Then, things changed drastically. The Eagles made a stunning deal to acquire the second overall selection in April's NFL Draft -- selecting quarterback Carson Wentz. Practically moments after the Eagles made the trade to get the pick, Bradford expressed his displeasure -- demanding a trade. From that moment, Bradford's days were clearly numbered.
That left fans wondering; what was the point of the Bradford contract?
While never directly answered, the perception is that Bradford's now going to serve as a one-year stop gap. Multiple league insiders expect the 28-year-old to be cut loose from his deal, or be traded next offseason, effectively handing the keys to the franchise to Carson Wentz. After seeing the contract that Fitzpatrick received compared to Bradford's, I am fully convinced that the Eagles could have held out for Ryan Fitzpatrick. For starters, the Eagles held leverage in talks with Bradford, whether they knew it or not. There was very little interest in Bradford's services, aside from the rumored intrigue by the Cleveland Browns. Nothing ever developed from their interest, although Bradford was able to sucker the Eagles, by using the rumored interest of Cleveland against the Birds. This prompted the Eagles to cave to Sam's demands, giving a panic-stricken deal just to ensure they had a quarterback for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, just a few miles up Interstate 95, there was another quarterback situation going on. Fitzpatrick was in a battle with the Jets, a nearly four-month battle that concluded with Fitz receiving a contract worth approximately six-million dollars less than Bradford's deal on an annual basis. Amazing, isn't it? Two players with similar track records, yet such drastically different contracts.
Comparing the career numbers, both men are on the same level. Each quarterback has a career losing record. They also share an identical 60.1 completion percentage. The differences start to appear once you reach the actual counting stats. Bradford has surpassed the 3,000 yard mark on three separate occasions, while Fitzpatrick has accomplished that feat four times, most recently setting a new career-high last season with 3,905 yards. Fitzpatrick also had the edge in touchdown throwing ability. Sam Bradford has never surpassed 21 touchdowns in a season, not once. Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick has done that in four different seasons.
(Sam Bradford Career Statistics)
(Ryan Fitzpatrick Career Statistics)
Finally, the biggest difference between the two -- injuries. In his career, Bradford has suffered two torn ACLs, causing him to miss a combined 25 games between those two injuries. Bradford's also missed eight games due to various injuries, bringing his career total to 33 games missed. On the flip-side, Fitzpatrick has missed more than six games on one occasion. That was during the 2007 season, when Fitz suffered broken rib cartilage in a game against the Minnesota Vikings, causing him to miss 15 games that year. Since the '07 season, Fitzpatrick has missed only six games due to injury, bringing his career total to 21 games missed. Clearly, Fitzpatrick is the more durable quarterback.
Looking back on it, the Eagles may have been better served to hold out, and take a run at Fitzpatrick. I believe that the team would not have suffered that much of a drop in statistical production, and the evidence provided supports that claim. If the organization's plan for this upcoming season was to secure a one-year stopgap for Carson Wentz, they should've pursued Fitzpatrick on the one-year deal that he was seeking. Ultimately, the services of Fitzpatrick would've likely come at the same annual value of Bradford. Although, the team would've only been saddled with that salary for one season, before Fitzpatrick could've returned to the open market. Instead, they opted to lock down a much-more lucrative contract with Bradford, that not only saddled them with a major salary this season, but the team will also be penalized when they ultimately move on from "Sammy Sleeves" at the end of this season.
Should the Birds have waited, and pursued Fitzpatrick? Let's hear it, Eagle Nation!
