NFL journeyman, Ryan Fitzpatrick, was part of the Miami Dolphins roster heading into the 2020 season. He was named as the first-choice quarterback by head coach Brian Flores before the season opener against the New England Patriots.
Earlier last year, the AFC East franchise drafted popular Alabama rookie QB, Tua Tagovailoa, (5th overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft. This was despite the youngster suffering hip, nose, and head injuries during the 2019 NCAA Football season.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 4, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) attempts a pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Fitzpatrick led the Dolphins to a 3-3 record heading into Week 6. But that’s when it all changed.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Coach Flores shocked both Fitzpatrick and the Dolphins fans, after confirming that Tua would be the team’s first-choice starter ahead of the game against Los Angeles Rams in Week 7.
ALSO READ – NFL Reporter Calls Allen Robinson a ‘More Complete’ Wideout than Michael Thomas
Will veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick return to the NFL in 2021?
Ryan Fitzpatrick turns 39 later this year in November. After being demoted to back up quarterback, Fitzpatrick featured in Week 15 for the Dolphins as they played Las Vegas Raiders at the Allegiant Stadium. He came onto the field after Tua was forced to retire with an injury. The former Buffalo Bills man turned on the ‘Fitz magic’ throwing for 182 yards and one passing touchdown.
Top Veteran QB Options for the Patriots in 2021
(According to @TylerSully)1. Jimmy Garoppolo
2. Marcus Mariota
3. Jacoby Brissett
4. Ryan Fitzpatrick
5. Cam Newton
6. Tyrod Taylor
7. Andy Dalton
8. Teddy Bridgewater
9. Gardner Minshew
10. Nick Foles pic.twitter.com/iIX2ZpMX0p— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) February 27, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In doing so, he led the Dolphins to a narrow 25-26 win and ended the Raiders’ 2020 NFL Playoff hopes. Fitzpatrick finished the season with 2,091 passing yards and 13 touchdowns from 9 games. He is a free agent heading into the 2021 NFL season and is already attracting interest from teams across the league.
via Getty
MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 22: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins attempts a pass during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
One of the teams to have already made contact with Fitzpatrick is the AFC West franchise, Denver Broncos. Coach Vic Fangio could make do with Fitzpatrick as a stop-gap solution to their quarterback woes. Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots are also reportedly being linked with a possible late swoop for the veteran. Watch this space for more.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ALSO READ – Buccaneers Coach Reveals Tom Brady Wanted to Emulate What Peyton Manning Did in Denver
