The St. Louis Rams and the free agent (or close to) QB market

Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) drops back to pass against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Titans 30-8. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Fitzpatick – New York Jets – Pending Free Agent

Finally, a veteran quarterback that may become available! Fitzpatrick, is statistically, having the best year of his career, and it almost never was. Fitzpatrick was a member of the Houston Texans up until March of this year when he was traded to the New York Jets for a conditional seventh-round pick in next year’s draft. That seems like a very small price to pay for a quarterback that has produced as much as Fitzpatrick in such a short time.

Fitzpatrick, armed with two top-tier receivers in Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, has tossed over 3,100 yards, 25 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions this season. His 25 touchdowns are a career high and his 68.2 QBR is the second best total he’s ever posted. Plus he’s still got three games to add to those totals.

At 33-years-old it’s tough to say exactly how much Fitzpatrick has left in the tank, but considering he’s played all 16-games in a season just twice in his career, it’s safe to say he has a couple years left. The Rams drafted the 11-year veteran back in 2005 in the seventh-round. He would throw for over 300-yards in his NFL debut and became the first Harvard quarterback to start an NFL game in his time with St. Louis. However, he would be traded to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2007 for a seventh-round selection after an up-and-down two-year stint with the Rams.

Given the struggles of current Jets quarterback, Geno Smith, it’s tough to see New York letting Fitzpatrick walk, but a reunion with the Rams may be in the cards. A veteran presence like Fitzpatrick’s is valuable to younger quarterbacks like Foles and rookie Sean Mannion. His presence would allow them to develop further and give the St. Louis a legitimate option under center. Oh yeah, he also comes at the price of a backup. Fitzpatrick is set to make just $3.25 million in base salary this season.

Next: The long shot of the group plays a mile high