Bad News: We could be stuck with Fitzpatrick in 2013. Here's why

[Extremebillsfan247]

The Bills are 16.7 million dollars under the cap. Now, whether they keep, or release Fitzpatrick, it's a hit towards that cap of 10 million dollars or more. Even though keeping him on the roster is slightly more expensive at 10.45 million, the Bills with this new CBA came close to handcuffing themselves to this contract. An example of this is that even if they cut Fitzpatrick and start a rookie QB from the outset, They will still be on the hook for that 10 million plus what ever they pay for that rookie depending on which round he is drafted. This will eat away at that 16.7 million whether Fitzpatrick is here or not. In the past, pre-New CBA this would have been a monstrous issue, and even though it's not that big of one now, it's still a problem because of the amount of cap space left to sign other players. It's a conundrum that the Bills are going to have a tough time dealing with. It will be interesting as free agency opens up to see how this all plays out. Don't be surprised if the Bills keep him at least for 2013 in hopes that which ever rookie they do draft, can get the job done as our new starting QB. This isn't to say that the Bills will keep Fitzpatrick, but that the possibility is more likely than unlikely that they do. I'm just glad I'm not in Buddy Nix's shoes right now. lol JMO

[Bangarang]

Re: Bad News: We could be stuck with Fitzpatrick in 2013. Here's why

As long as he doesn't play I don't care.

[better days]

Re: Bad News: We could be stuck with Fitzpatrick in 2013. Here's why

I don't see the Bills cutting Fitz to sign another QB equally as MEDIOCRE as Fitz such as Alex Smith & pay him money as well as the money owed to Fitz.

[fluteflakes]

Re: Bad News: We could be stuck with Fitzpatrick in 2013. Here's why

He can be on the roster, that's perfectly fine and I'm honestly expecting it. Just so long as he doesn't actually PLAY. Here's hoping we manage to trade him.

[X-Era]

Re: Bad News: We could be stuck with Fitzpatrick in 2013. Here's why

The Bills are 16.7 million dollars under the cap. Now, whether they keep, or release Fitzpatrick, it's a hit towards that cap of 10 million dollars or more. Even though keeping him on the roster is slightly more expensive at 10.45 million, the Bills with this new CBA came close to handcuffing themselves to this contract. An example of this is that even if they cut Fitzpatrick and start a rookie QB from the outset, They will still be on the hook for that 10 million plus what ever they pay for that rookie depending on which round he is drafted. This will eat away at that 16.7 million whether Fitzpatrick is here or not. In the past, pre-New CBA this would have been a monstrous issue, and even though it's not that big of one now, it's still a problem because of the amount of cap space left to sign other players. It's a conundrum that the Bills are going to have a tough time dealing with. It will be interesting as free agency opens up to see how this all plays out. Don't be surprised if the Bills keep him at least for 2013 in hopes that which ever rookie they do draft, can get the job done as our new starting QB. This isn't to say that the Bills will keep Fitzpatrick, but that the possibility is more likely than unlikely that they do. I'm just glad I'm not in Buddy Nix's shoes right now. lol JMO

Theres reports that we save 4.5 mill on the cap if we cut him.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/68811/bills-can-save-millions-by-cutting-fitzpatrick

[sdbillsfan2]

Re: Bad News: We could be stuck with Fitzpatrick in 2013. Here's why

I have nothing against the guy. I just don't want him to play and be our best option. I'd rather lose with a rookie then lose the same old way we've done for far to long now. There is better talent out there. The real test will be if our scouting dept will finally get their Sh#t together and find it.

[Night Train]

Re: Bad News: We could be stuck with Fitzpatrick in 2013. Here's why

I think if our new coach was told he must keep Fitz strictly for cap reasons, he would quit and I wouldn't blame him.

That's complete lunacy. Accountants don't win games. Players and coaches do.

[Yasgur's Farm]

Re: Bad News: We could be stuck with Fitzpatrick in 2013. Here's why

While it's a wash cap wise for 2013, cutting him makes sense for the 2014 cap and beyond.

Let's say he stays... That's $7.5M cash salary this year + $3M amortized stuff = $10.5M + $7-8M still remaining in amortized money that will need to be paid when he's released in 2014 = $17.5-18.5M total combined 2013 & 2014 cap hits.

However... If released now, total costs would be $10M amortized to be paid in full... None of that is additional actual cash.

[coastal]

Re: Bad News: We could be stuck with Fitzpatrick in 2013. Here's why

Is it too early to cut Fools Gold?

[ServoBillieves]

Re: Bad News: We could be stuck with Fitzpatrick in 2013. Here's why

Is it too early to cut Fools Gold?

Yes.

[TigerJ]

Re: Bad News: We could be stuck with Fitzpatrick in 2013. Here's why

According to reports, Buffalo is negotiating with Fitz's agent, presumably to make his contract more palatable to the Bills. That is an indication at least that the Bills think he may be on the roster in September. If Fitz declines to take a cut in pay it will be interesting to see what the Bills do. In any case, I'd rather he be gone, but if the Bills end up with a "real" quarterback of the future on the roster in the up coming season, I can live with Fitz a little longer. I'd like to see that QB of the future playing as soon as possible though.

[tampabay25690]

Re: Bad News: We could be stuck with Fitzpatrick in 2013. Here's why

If Fitz doesn't restructure I think he is good as gone.
If Fitz stays then the Bills will draft a QB and let Fitz and the rookie fight for the starting job.
If Fitz stays they will not get a Alex Smith and have 2 guys making that much money!

[better days]

Re: Bad News: We could be stuck with Fitzpatrick in 2013. Here's why

If Fitz doesn't restructure I think he is good as gone.
If Fitz stays then the Bills will draft a QB and let Fitz and the rookie fight for the starting job.
If Fitz stays they will not get a Alex Smith and have 2 guys making that much money!

Even if the Bills cut Fitz, they would owe him money. From a financial standpoint, the best thing would be to get Fitz to restructure. I would not mind him as a BACK UP.

[OpIv37]

Re: Bad News: We could be stuck with Fitzpatrick in 2013. Here's why

I think if our new coach was told he must keep Fitz strictly for cap reasons, he would quit and I wouldn't blame him.

That's complete lunacy. Accountants don't win games. Players and coaches do.

But given this team's history, do you honestly trust them not to make decisions based solely on the bottom line? I don't. There are some recent signs that Ralph is loosening the purse strings, but not enough to she'd the "cheap" label yet.

Beyond that, how much dead cap are we willing to tolerate?

[PTI]

Re: Bad News: We could be stuck with Fitzpatrick in 2013. Here's why

I am not sure my wife would bear to even let me watch the Bills next year for how much I despise Fitz being the Bills starting QB. I am not a tolerable person on many Sundays during football. She might even cancel our DirectTV outright if she hears word Fitz is on the team still.