Jets Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick Signs One-Year Deal

New York Jets general manager was concerned about Ryan Fitzpatrick's future with the team during the offseason. The quarterback refused to sign a contract extension in January, but eventually agreed to a one-year deal worth $12 million in late July. This will make him the team's starting quarterback for another season.

Fitzpatrick had the best season of his career last year, throwing for 31 touchdowns and a record-breaking 3,905 yards. Despite only throwing 15 interceptions, three of them came against the Buffalo Bills in the last week of the regular season, causing the Jets to miss the playoffs with a record of 10-6.

Todd Bowles' arrival as coach in New York was beneficial, but he needed Fitzpatrick to continue his second-year project.

The 33-year-old quarterback will once again have one of the best wide receiver duos in the league. Brandon Marshall (1,502 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2015) and Eric Decker (1,027 yards and 12 touchdowns) both requested Fitzpatrick's return to the team during the offseason. However, there is no other reliable target behind these two stars, not even at the tight end position with Jace Amaro.

To help the quarterback, the Jets front office signed running back Matt Forte, formerly of the Chicago Bears. Forte is not only a reliable rusher, but also a capable receiver with 389 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2015. This fits perfectly into the offensive coordinator Chan Gailey's system.

The offensive line, which allowed just 22 sacks last season, also provides solid protection. Led by seven-time Pro Bowl nominee Nick Mangold, the line did lose left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, who retired. Ryan Clady, who missed the entire previous season due to an anterior cruciate ligament tear, will replace Ferguson.

DEFENSIVE LINE AND SECONDARY

The Jets' defensive line, another key to their success, also caused concerns for the team. Muhammad Wilkerson, who recorded 12 sacks, was seeking a new contract and eventually signed a five-year deal worth $86 million. Sheldon Richardson, who faced a potential long suspension, ended up with just a one-game suspension.

Steve McLendon will be taking over the nose tackle position from Damon Harrison, who left for the Giants. The linebackers are performing well, but the Jets selected Darron Lee in the first round, and he could earn a spot on the team.

The secondary is led by Darrelle Revis, who had a disappointing 2015 season and seems to be on the decline. Calvin Pryor and Marcus Gilchrist are dependable safeties, while Buster Skrine will move to the outside corner position following the disappointment of Antonio Cromartie.

CHALLENGING NEW ENGLAND

The Jets' biggest challenge remains the New England Patriots, the team that has dominated the AFC East for over a decade. Despite a strong offense and a defense that puts pressure on opponents, the Jets' playoff hopes rely on securing a wildcard spot and Fitzpatrick not making mistakes.