The New York Jets continue to stand by their stated plans to re-sign Ryan Fitzpatrick despite their selection of a quarterback in the second round of the NFL Draft.
The Jets drafted former Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg No. 51 overall, which is pretty high for a QB. Once he’s signed, the Jets will then have Hackenberg in addition to Geno Smith and Bryce Petty. That’s a full stable of QBs, not even counting Fitzpatrick, who is in a contract stalemate with the team.
Even though Jets GM Mike Maccagnan says they are “excited” about Hackenberg’s potential, he still wants to sign Fitzpatrick.
Maccagnan says Jets still want to sign Fitz. Said Hackenberg pick is not a referendum on Geno Smith or Bryce Petty.
— Dom Cosentino (@domcosentino) April 30, 2016
According to NJ.com’s Dom Cosentino, Jets head coach Todd Bowles also said Fitzpatrick would still be the team’s starter if he signs.
Fitz and the Jets reportedly have not talked for weeks and are far apart on a contract. Fitzpatrick apparently is so insulted by the team’s offer he might not even play.
Although on the surface a selection of Hackenberg appears to put pressure on Fitzpatrick, this scouting report on the Penn State product shouldn’t exactly make the incumbent Jets QB too worried:
One coach said C.Hackenberg couldn’t escape pressure, identify blitzes, release it quickly, anticipate throws or pass downfield accurately.
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) April 30, 2016
