Maccagnan To B&C: Talks With Fitzpatrick To Start 'In The Near Future'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan called into Boomer & Carton's show on Friday morning and discussed several offseason items, including the team's intention to re-sign free agent-to-be quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Maccagnan, who on Thursday was named Executive of the Year by the Pro Football Writer's Association, said he plans to begin negotiations with Fitzpatrick "in the very near future," and that everyone in the organization feels "very strongly" about keeping him.
Acquired last spring from Houston for a conditional seventh-round draft pick, Fitzpatrick had a tremendous 2015 season with the Jets, setting a single-season franchise record with 31 touchdown passes. He also threw for 3,905 yards, second behind Joe Namath's club mark of 4,007, set back in 1967.
Initially viewed as just a stop-gap option, Fitzpatrick could command a serious chunk of change in his next contract, especially after guiding the Jets to 10 wins in a season most experts figured they'd be lucky to challenge .500. The question is how long the Jets will want to commit to him.
New York also has Geno Smith and Bryce Petty on its roster, but neither can be viewed as a serious threat to unseat Fitzpatrick as the starter in 2016.
Maccagnan spoke at length about the Jets' offseason plans. To hear his complete interview with Boomer and Carton, please click on the audio link below.