Fitzpatrick Signing Creates Fitzmadness

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March 18, 2021

by Dave Earl

Washington Inks Free Agent Quarterback

Well, here we are, signing Ryan Fitzpatrick and the fan reaction was certainly rampant, both positive and negative. As we started the offseason denied in a Stafford trade plus rumors regarding acquiring a stud in Deshaun Watson to the headscratcher rumor around Mitchell Trubisky, it’s fair to say Fitzpatrick definitely moved the needle. It’s the reactions, especially frustrations, that ranged all over the place to include a cringe-worthy fact:

While the younger fans want to preach patience, there is something to be said about witnessing a once proud, stable franchise just become a circus show under this ownership. A window that saw over 23 different starting quarterbacks, the owner trying to cancel the Brad Johnson trade, and the gross mishandling of Kirk’s contract, among many other events. The frustrations and impatience are no doubt warranted and even justified but is signing Fitzpatrick a bad move? According to some, yeah, I’d say so:

While I get that many are unimpressed with the move, what was the answer going forward? After the aforementioned loss in the Stafford trade plus the unrealistic trading for Watson and Wilson, the options were limited (to be kind). There were rumors or speculations around Tyrod Taylor, Teddy Bridgewater, Trubisky, and Andy Dalton but not much traction. A trade for Sam Darnold was possible but becomes tricky because of his 5th year option. A failed first round quarterback, while young, does not have shared optimism of potential from many league officials that some fans share.

Ryan Fitzpatrick Really That Terrible?

The one thing I’ve grown to love about this fan base is the sheer emotion and passion that exists throughout. The minute this signing sunk in the feedback was not welcoming in any way, but that doesn’t speak for everyone. Many fans saw a greater picture ahead or simply Plan C in play when the initial plans in place didn’t work out. It’s clear to many that adding Fitzpatrick doesn’t eliminate a young rookie being drafted and sitting for a year. One scenario which played in my mind is Trey Lance slipping and Washington trading up. As that’s one direction that could happen, some reactions look at the bigger picture of what Ftizpatrick brings.

What I Personally Don’t Get

The idea that Ron Rivera and this front office is just “settling” and not making any attempt to improve the quarterback room is just perplexing. To also add in this team’s inept history at the position under Dan Snyder to rationalize their discontent is misplaced. Trust me, I fully understand that frustration but to lump year 2 under Ron Rivera in that history makes little to no sense. The team went after Stafford with a very strong offer but was outbid by the Rams. They made their due diligence calls about Watson, but let’s be honest here: that was never happening. There was even speculation around Carson Wentz with mixed feelings, but he ended up with the Colts. So how does all that signify a franchise happy with the status quo? Why does adding Fitzpatrick eliminates them from drafting a good young quarterback? The Chiefs and Texans original draft position landed their future quarterbacks outisde the top 5. Of course quarterbacks drafted top 5 always work out,  like Sam Bradford and Sam Darnold.

To avoid sounding smug here, what we need to understand is that Ron has absolutely tried to greatly upgrade this position. They made offers, inquired about availability, and has clearly made a concerted effort to improve the quarterback room. Instead of banking on a 1 game performance against Tampa Bay by Taylor Heinicke (like some fans have), Ron knows that is not the answer. Adding Fitzpatrick is clearly a fallback plan and a way to keep this team competitive while still looking for the team’s future. Regardless of how you feel today, understand Fitzpatrick is better than Dalton, Trubisy, Tyrod Taylor, and Jacoby Brissett, among others. He adds stability, leadership and a hardnosed mentality that players rally around plus, if nothing else, this offense will be much more fun to watch.