Is Ryan Fitzpatrick the answer for the Los Angeles Rams?

News released today, stating that the New York Jets and their free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick are “far apart” in contract negotiations. Following Sam Bradford’s two-year, $36 million contract, sources believe Fitz is seeking $16-$18 million while the Jets have him valued at $8-$10 million, a rather remarkable blunder that letting him walk would be: 

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Fitz is playing under offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, whom he also spent time with in Buffalo and subsequently had the best stretch of his career. In addition, the trio of Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, and Chris Ivory was a major hit as they set a new franchise record for most offensive yards in a single season; Fitzpatrick also broke the Jets’ single season passing touchdown record with 31.

With Fitzpatrick (seemingly) set to hit the market, should the Rams bring him in? Spotrac has him valued at 3 years, $33 million which, at $11 million annually, isn’t very cheap. The Rams do have $45 million in cap space but they still in-house moves to make, moves that are equally as valuable. Perhaps the most important aspect to remember is the perfect marriage between Fitz and the Jets.

He played in a system that he excelled in for four years with one of the game’s top number one receivers in Brandon Marshall, coupled with a viable number two in Eric Decker who combined for 189 receptions for 2,529 yards and 26 touchdowns; Ivory was also the league’s fifth leading rusher with 1,070 yards while Bilal Powell was a factor as both a runner and a receiver.

The Rams lack both a strong number one and number two receiver (would you seriously rather have Tavon Austin and Kenny Britt over Marshall and Decker?) and Tre Mason won’t have the same impact as a number two running back that Powell has. Having spent most of his professional career under Gailey, there is a level of comfort Fitz possess in that offense. I also find it wise that the Rams to acquire a quarterback-of-the-future with a nucleus of young, talented players.

For all the reasons against this signing, there are nearly as many reasons to bring in the former Ram. He is backed by an equally dominant defense with a major upgrade at running back. During his time in Buffalo where he posted three consecutive seasons with 3,000+ passing yards and 20+ touchdowns as a starter, his receiving corp consisted of aging veterans Lee Evans, Terrell Owens, and Josh Reed while Roscoe Parrish was seldom used and the tight ends were average at best, similar to those in New York this past season.

Despite being 33, there is little reason to believe Fitz doesn’t have a minimum of three years left in his game while he brings the presence of a smart, savvy veteran with strong leadership qualities. With the NFL’s youngest roster, a veteran of his magnitude will have a positive attitude in the locker room and give them a better chance to win then a rookie. I understand Keenum is viewed by many around the organization as the starter going forward but let’s be honest with ourselves. Is he really the best option available? Letting him sit and learn behind Fitz is a valuable option if the Rams truly feel he is their quarterback of the future.