Although quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick still has a couple of months to find a new team before the 2016 NFL season officially kicks off, it seems his place in the league depends on factors that are out of his control. Specifically, new rumors suggests that his chances of getting drafted by a new team depends on the status of Colin Kaepernick.
Over the past few weeks, various reports focused on Kaepernick's murky relationship with the San Francisco 49ers. Some of the teams looking to get him include the Denver Broncos and the Cleveland Browns.
But since it is not yet clear what will happen between the New York Jets and Fitzpatrick, who is currently a free agent, the team was included in the list of franchises that are hoping to sign Kaepernick.
However, unlike Kaepernick, not too many teams are trying to get Fitzpatrick. In fact, according to reports, it seems the Broncos are the only one that's trying to acquire the former Jets quarterback, Inquisitr has learned.
Although the issue appears to only involve the simple drafting of players, it's a bit more complicated than that especially for Fitzpatrick. As noted by Rich Cimini, a blogger for the Jets, the Broncos is the athlete's only chance of being in a 2016 NFL roster for now. Apparently, for the Denver team, Fitzpatrick is a backup choice just in case they don't land the deal with Kaepernick.
This, of course, means that if the Broncos secures the 49ers quarterback, then Fitzpatrick might end up not having a new go-to team for this season.
"If Kaepernick is traded to the Denver Broncos, it crushes what little leverage Fitzpatrick has," Cimina stated in the ESPN blog. "The Broncos are thought to be the only team not named the Jets that has a level of interest in him."
"If Kaepernick lands somewhere else, perhaps the Cleveland Browns, it improves Fitzpatrick's bargaining position," he added. "No matter what happens, I still think he ends up with the Jets."
But, as what Cimina said, whichever team Kaepernick decides to sign with, Fitzpatrick will also be welcomed by the Jets. As noted by the NY Times, general Manager Mike Maccagan said that New York is still hoping to work with the quarterback this season.
"We feel we have a good situation here for Ryan, and he's a very good fit for us," he told the news site. "Our goal is to try to get Ryan under contract."
