Bills Give Fitzpatrick Six-Year Extension

Added on Oct 28, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

Who says Ivy League quarterbacks can’t land huge paydays in the NFL? The Bills and Ryan Fitzpatrick have agreed to terms on a six-year contract extension worth $60 million, $24 million of which will be guaranteed. With running back Fred Jackson and wide receiver Stevie Johnson also seeking new deals, Buffalo has more work to do before locking up their big three offensive playmakers.

The 28-year-old Fitzpatrick has found a home in western New York after unsuccessful stints in St. Louis and Cincinnati. He began his Bills career in 2009 and battled Trent Edwards for the starting quarterback position. Both signal callers split starts with Fitzy throwing for more yards and touchdowns, and Edwards edging him in completion percentage and QB rating.

Fitzpatrick seized the job three games into the 2010 season and never looked back. He finished his breakout campaign with 3000 yards, 23 touchdowns and 15 interceptions and helped transform Johnson into a top receiving threat. He was heralded for his pocket presence and not surprisingly, his intelligence. Like Harvard needs any more pub.

Through six games this season, he is completing 66.3% of his passes with 1477 yards, 12 touchdowns and six picks, putting him on pace to set career highs in all major statistical categories. More importantly, the Bills are 4-2, having already beaten the Patriots and Eagles.

Fitzpatrick is the rare example of someone going from journeyman backup to franchise quarterback. He’s a perfect fit for Chan Gailey’s multi-dimensional attack, has displayed calm under duress and is responsible for leading the team to fourth quarter heroics. The Bills offense currently ranks third in scoring at 31.3 points.

Of course, a fat new contract brings with it an increased amount of pressure. Fitzpatrick will be expected to keep winning games, especially on the road, where they have dropped their last two.

The Bills face a fading Redskins team on Sunday in Toronto before playing three of their next four away from home.

Source: NFL.com