Dec 29, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (4) passes against Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) and Houston outside linebacker Brooks Reed (58) during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN is reporting that the Houston Texans have signed free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to a two-year deal, as reported by Ed Werder.
Werder wrote in his ESPN.com article:
"“Fitzpatrick, 31, has thrown for 16,790 yards, 106 touchdowns and 93 interceptions in 85 career games.”"
This basically means the Texans are finished with former starting QB Matt Schaub as it would be very tough to have both of these veteran QBs on the roster. Now all that remains is will the Texans release or trade the veteran Schaub.
Fitzpatrick played for the Tennessee Titans in 2013 as the nine-year veteran last season played in 11 games, finishing with 2,454 yards, 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his lone season with AFC South rival Tennessee.
I honestly don’t have much of a problem with this signing. Fitzpatrick will be a serviceable backup for the Texans, now whether the Texans go with Case Keenum next season as the starter, or if they draft a QB and go with a rookie under center, that still remains a mystery.
Fitzpatrick could even start early on for the Texans next season if need be, honestly who knows what the front office is thinking.
My guess would be Fitzpatrick, who first played in the NFL in 2005 with the St. Louis Rams, will be the No. 2 QB put in charge of helping groom either Keenum, a rookie QB or both. Fitzpatrick has also played for the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals during his career.
Fitzpatrick isn’t a game-changer, but he’ll do the job of being a serviceable veteran for the Texans in 2014, which is a need for the franchise.
This past season Fitzpatrick was a part of a Dec. 29 Titans win over the Texans to end the regular season. In that game he was 15-of-24 for 166 yards with no touchdowns passes and one interception.
Last season, the Texans had Keenum and Schaub start games for them. T.J. Yates also played in one game, but not as the starter.
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