ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Washington Football Team has agreed with free-agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick that to a one-year deal worth $10 million. Schefter adds that the contract could grow up to $12 million with incentives, and that Fitzpatrick is expected to enter training camp as Washington’s starting quarterback ahead of Taylor Heinicke.
Former Dolphins’ QB Ryan Fitzpatrick reached agreement with the Washington Football Team on a one-year deal worth $10 million that could grow to $12 million with incentives, per source. Fitzpatrick is expected to head to camp as the starter, with competition from Taylor Heinicke.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2021
So, it seems quite likely that the 38-year-old Fitzpatrick will enter the 2021 NFL season as a starting quarterback.
Fitzpatrick threw 13 touchdowns passes and eight interceptions, to go with a 95.6 passer rating for the Miami Dolphins in 2020. He led the Dolphins to a 4-3 record in his seven games started, and played in nine games. He looked like Miami’s best quarterback last season, but the organization wanted to accelerate the development of 2020 first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa, which led to Fitzpatrick not playing as much as many evaluators thought he should have.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vfdjl1nxcUU
Heinicke impressed in one game for Washington in 2020. But he’s a 28-year-old who has attempted 77 passes in his career (with a 71.7 passer rating).
Washington needed to add more certainty at the position (if they weren’t going to draft a quarterback), and they’ve done that with the Fitzpatrick move. If the Fitzmagic can return for one more season, Washington — who has an impressive, improving defense led by Chase Young — can be a dangerous team in the very winnable NFC East.
