NFL training camps are set to begin tomorrow and Friday across the country, and as of this morning, the Jets had no idea who would be starting at quarterback for them in their September season opener. They have three quarterbacks on the roster, sure, but the guy that brought them within a hair of a playoff berth last season, Ryan Fitzpatrick, was refusing to discuss his contract offer, an offer he believed was far below what he deserved.

Fitzpatrick was in search of a $20 million a year deal, which he felt he earned by stepping in as Geno Smith‘s replacement at the 99th hour last fall, when Smith was sidelined with a broken jaw following the locker room punch heard around the league. Fitzpatrick played well, sure, and brought the Jets to the door of the postseason, but he wanted to be paid like a star. He wanted Tom Brady money. And Jets GM Mike Maccagnan was not budging.

That standoff left the team in danger of having to choose between unproven draft picks Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg, and Geno Smith to man the offense’s most important position this season. Until today, that is.

Part of the reason Fitzpatrick was so successful in keeping the Jets engaged was the fact that he was the only viable quarterback on the market. Guys like Mark Sanchez, Brock Osweiler and RGIII had already been signed, and Colin Kaepernick decided to give Chip Kelly a chance in San Francisco before bolting. However, today, Nick Foles, who still has a ton of game left in him, was released by the Rams–the Rams took QB Jared Goff with the first pick in this year’s draft–and just like that, Fitzpatrick’s leverage was gone. If he didn’t take the Jets offer, they’d have another guy eager to step into a starting role knocking on their door.

Just 2 hours after news of Fole’s release broke, this happened.

July 27, 2016