The New York Jets have benefitted all season from improved performances from Ryan Fitzpatrick and Chris Ivory. Following a win against the New England Patriots, the Jets control their own destiny into the playoffs as they prepare to face off against the Buffalo Bills in the season finale and Fitzpatrick and Ivory will be critical in the matchup. The big issue for the Jets is the expiring contracts both players have to their name as returns in 2016 might not be guaranteed.
According to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com, Fitzpatrick is in line for a nice pay with the Jets. Head coach Todd Bowles has made it very clear the Jets intend to bring back the veteran who earned the starting job over Geno Smith at the beginning of the year. With trust in Smith falling by the day, bringing back Fitzpatrick is a priority. According to Cimini, Fitzpatrick would ink a deal worth upwards of $10 million to $12 million annually as he is currently set to earn $3.25 million in the final year of his contract. According to one agent who spoke with ESPN, the quarterback is proving he is worth a lot and the Jets must make cap room to keep him. That could hurt the return of Ivory.
The run game has been a focus for the Jets this season and Ivory has benefitted from it. However, has he been good enough that the Jets will make him a priority in the offseason? According to Cimini, the run game will be an interesting storyline in 2016 as Ivory, Bilal Powell and Stevan Ridley all have expiring contracts. The other interesting note to look at is there could be several big names hitting the market that the Jets could eye to replace them. Cimini offers up the idea that the Jets could take a serious look at DeMarco Murray if available along with Lamar Miller and Doug Martin who will be free agents. Of course there is no guarantee that Murray will be made available as he and the Philadelphia Eagles continue to struggle, but Miller or Martin could be huge for the Jets in 2016.
New York has some tough decisions to make this offseason regardless of what happens in the playoffs. Muhammad Wilkerson wants a new contract which will be costly along with Damon Harrison. According to Cimini, players like Antonio Cromartie, Dee Milliner, Jeremy Kerley and Jeff Cumberland could all be salary cap casualties as a result.