The Buffalo Bills are in need of a new starting quarterback after releasing quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick just as the free agency period started and some options for the team could be Matt Cassel, Brady Quinn or Matt Flynn.
According to ESPN.com, Fitzpatrick was released just as he was set to get a $3 million roster bonus and now the team has Tavaris Jackson as its primary starter unless they make a move. Fitzpatrick has been struggling for two years since signing a six-year, $59 million contract extension in 2011, throwing a career-high 23 picks last year.
The quarterback was considered to be too pricy for a team that saw him go 20-33 as a starter over the past two seasons and decided to release him after not being able to restructure his deal. The team has a chance now to sign some free agents and could make a trade to help bolster the position. The Bills have the eighth pick in the draft and if Geno Smith is available they could take him.
"We kept every possible option open right down to the wire, when we had to make a decision on whether to keep Ryan," general manager Buddy Nix said. "In the end, we had to do what we feel is best for our football team. And it was a difficult decision."
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The team has a new head coach in Doug Marrone and chances are he would like to start over without the quarterback from the previous regime. The team ranked 25th in the NFL in passing last year and went just 6-10, losing three of their last four games of the year. The play of the offense was inconsistent all season, including Fitzpatrick.
General manager Buddy Nix will have to make another move to make up for the cut with another move and bringing in Matt Cassel, Brady Quinn or Matt Flynn could be coming next. Cassel is likely to be released by the Chiefs and although he had a rough season in 2012, he could be an option in the future.
Cassel came over from the Patriots in a trade after his first season starting for an injured Tom Brady and he has gone 29-33 since 2008, not much better than Fitzpatrick, but better. He has thrown for 80 touchdowns over that span and although he had twice as many interceptions as scores last season, he could be a fit with a new environment.
The team also could bring in Brady Quinn, who split time with Cassel last season with the Chiefs. Both quarterbacks are limited, but they could help bridge the gap to a Geno Smith or another young quarterback they select in the draft. The Bills were originally interested in Alex Smith, but after he was traded to the Chiefs their options became limited.
That trade could free up Cassel, who is expected to be released and could flourish if he is in the right situation. He is familiar with the AFC East from his days in New England and he could be an option for Nix and Marrone. The team has Stevie Johnson and CJ Spiller and could use him to build with those stars.
The Bills have a number of holes to fill on both sides of the ball and bringing in someone like Cassel or Flynn could help hold things over until they draft or find a legitimate franchise quarterback.