By Jordan Long
The Denver Broncos are searching for a backup quarterback to push Drew Lock, assuming Deshaun Watson isn’t traded to Denver. There is one that makes sense for them to go after, Ryan Fitzpatrick. Denver has been in contact with him.
Fitzpatrick brings plenty of NFL experience to the Denver Broncos if Denver were to sign him. He has played 16 years in the NFL with 8 different teams, the then St. Louis Rams, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Texans, and Tennessee Titans.
Last year Fitzpatrick started 7 games for the Miami Dolphins and saw action in 9 games as the backup to Tua Tagovailoa. He went 4-3 as the Dolphins’ starter. In those games, he passed for 2,091 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Fitzpatrick was smart with the ball throwing it away when he was being rushed. There were times Fitzpatrick forced the ball into coverage and those were tipped or intercepted.
In his career, Fitzpatrick tossed for 34,977 yards, 223 touchdowns, and 169 interceptions. His career record as a starter is 59-86-1.
Fitzpatrick might help the Broncos at the backup quarterback position. He is a veteran in the NFL and may push Drew Lock to earn the starting gig. He has the experience if Lock is hurt or struggles in a game. It could be a positive move for Denver to land him.
There are two problems with Fitzpatrick. Denver is a play-action type of offense where the quarterback uses his legs. Fitzpatrick has never been a mobile quarterback. He is more of a pocket passer. The Broncos may have to scratch some of the plays in the offense if Fitzpatrick is in the game. His age is also a factor. Fitzpatrick is 38 years old. That is getting up there for an NFL quarterback. Denver could be better off looking at other free agent quarterbacks who are younger. These could include Andy Dalton who is 33 years old, Tyrod Taylor who is 31, and Jacoby Brissett who is the youngest at 28. Any of them may have more time left in the NFL than Fitzpatrick.
The Broncos will upgrade the quarterback position this offseason. They need a veteran on this team who could come by trade or free agency. Denver Broncos’ General Manager George Paton will sign or trade for a quarterback he feels is the best fit for the team.
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