Resigning Fitz

It didn't post this without thinking about it. My friend and I had this discussion on Saturday during our road trip. You can make a good argument for this case.

It's not that Fitz is any better or worse a player than McCown. He's maybe marginally worse. The Browns obviously need help in several areas, but I doubt Fitz would look any worse in their system.

Fitz might be a better option to learn under than McCown going forward for a draftee.

Age is a factor I considered. McCown was also banged up pretty badly towards the end of last season and he's also older. If they draft highly but their pick needs 2-3 years before starting, this puts McCown at 39 years old. Fitz has a much better chance of being physically able to play that long so if they were to sign him to a 3 year now, so you release McCown or keep him as a backup to Fitz in the short term. If whoever they pick is good after two then you've got a veteran backup in Fitz at that point who could still potentially play a few more seasons and it is at a point in which point he may accept that backup role due to age as opposed to just bouncing to yet another team as he'd be in the league longer and would still be able to pull in some decent money, he has 5 kids and a few extra years in the league would better their future too.

The Browns are not hurting in cap space which is why I could see them doing something like this. Plus it's like a new clean slate that might instill an attitude in the players that things are going to change and they're going to try and make a better team going forward especially after how dismal last year was. Fitz is a good leader when it comes to that and players always seem to rally around him regardless of where he ends up. It might give a good confidence boost.

I'd obviously prefer Fitz in NY next year if they want to make a run for it. Who knows after that at that point Petty might be ready to go too.

 

They wouldn't necessarily have to release him this year, have him backup Fitz or vice versa and develop a draft going forward. They have plenty of money to work with. McCown was banged up pretty badly at the end of last season given his age it could be seen as a safe play. The Browns could make a big play for Osweiler, RG3 or whoever as well. I don't see how having two veterans on the team with a fresh draft would hurt anything. It's more about buying time in that sense.

Obviously if they think McCown could be healthy enough to mentor a draft it's not necessary, but age comes into play there if it takes 2 or 3 years.

You can make an argument for many teams Fitz could go to. You could argue Denver might want him for a run or two at a Super Bowl with that defense especially if Osweiler walks (who could also go to Cleveland himself).

I think the Jets will find out there is a market for him it's just what the present QB picture has lead to.

I do think however this is more about the salary cap than not wanting to pay him, I'm sure they would pay him what he's asking if they weren't so backed up against the wall from their other contracts. Unless they draft or try Geno or Petty there aren't likely to be any bargain deals this year unfortunately.