The Buffalo Bills passed on quarterback in this year's draft because they said they had a conviction in Ryan Fitzpatrick. Now, they're proving it.
Reports indicate the Fitzpatrick is on the verge of a six-year, $59 million deal that will net him $24 million in guaranteed money and $33 million in the first three years. I'd say that's proof of their conviction. Apparently,the Bills believe Fitzpatrick is the guy to lead them to the playoffs, and they demonstrated it by making him a wealthy man.
I just wonder why they were in such a rush. I mean, the guy has been a backup most of his career, then broke into the starting lineup off and on the past two years after Trent Edwards fizzled. Now, six games into the season we've seen enough to believe he's a franchise quarterback? Geez, I don't know. I mean, he's 12-15 as a starter with Buffalo, including 4-2 this season.
Nevertheless, the Bills stand by their man. Maybe it's because they haven't had someone solidify this position since Drew Bledsoe left, but I'd be careful: Edwards was 5-1in 2008, then he and the Bills went on a downward spiral.
But there's a belief in Fitzpatrick there wasn't in Edwards, and here's hoping the Bills know what they're doing. That's a lot of money to spend on a hunch.
Nevertheless, I give GM Buddy Nix and the Buffalo front office the benefit of the doubt. They passed on quarterbacks in the draft, and, so far, they look like geniuses.
Now we see if they invest like ones.
CBS Sportsline.
Reports indicate the Fitzpatrick is on the verge of a six-year, $59 million deal that will net him $24 million in guaranteed money and $33 million in the first three years. I'd say that's proof of their conviction. Apparently,the Bills believe Fitzpatrick is the guy to lead them to the playoffs, and they demonstrated it by making him a wealthy man.
I just wonder why they were in such a rush. I mean, the guy has been a backup most of his career, then broke into the starting lineup off and on the past two years after Trent Edwards fizzled. Now, six games into the season we've seen enough to believe he's a franchise quarterback? Geez, I don't know. I mean, he's 12-15 as a starter with Buffalo, including 4-2 this season.
Nevertheless, the Bills stand by their man. Maybe it's because they haven't had someone solidify this position since Drew Bledsoe left, but I'd be careful: Edwards was 5-1in 2008, then he and the Bills went on a downward spiral.
But there's a belief in Fitzpatrick there wasn't in Edwards, and here's hoping the Bills know what they're doing. That's a lot of money to spend on a hunch.
Nevertheless, I give GM Buddy Nix and the Buffalo front office the benefit of the doubt. They passed on quarterbacks in the draft, and, so far, they look like geniuses.
Now we see if they invest like ones.
CBS Sportsline.
