Wait... what??? ESPN saying Fitz is returning?

[X-Era]

Is this just a case of the media spins?

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8951930/tarvaris-jackson-re-signed-buffalo-bills

"In announcing Jackson's signing on Friday, new coach Doug Marrone ended a month of speculation regarding Fitzpatrick's status. Marrone says he's informed Fitzpatrick and Jackson that he intends to have both compete for the starting job next season.
This was Marrone's most definitive statement regarding Fitzpatrick and his plans regarding the quarterback spot since the coach took over last month."

But this is what he actually said:

“I spoke with Ryan (Fitzpatrick) and Tarvaris (Jackson) and told them we will have an open competition at the quarterback position – similar to what we will do at all positions on our team heading into our offseason work,” said Marrone. “I believe that our players will embrace this challenge. We are looking forward to working with our players as we prepare for the 2013 season.”

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/QB-Tarvaris-Jackson-re-signs-with-Bills/9383cbef-ea1a-47e5-8fd8-f84bf4d925fc

Was Marrone simply calling all current QB's and telling them there will be an open competition?
Or was he calling Fitz to tell him he will be part of the open competition?

[better days]

Re: Wait... what??? ESPN saying Fitz is returning?

Fitz is due a $1 Million bonus March 1 unless he is cut before then. If he is paid that money, I would bet he is on the roster when the Season starts.

[X-Era]

Re: Wait... what??? ESPN saying Fitz is returning?

Fitz is due a $1 Million bonus March 1 unless he is cut before then. If he is paid that money, I would bet he is on the roster when the Season starts.

I agree. Him being cut would come before that.

[YardRat]

Re: Wait... what??? ESPN saying Fitz is returning?

I thought the bonus was 3mil.

[scartown]

Re: Wait... what??? ESPN saying Fitz is returning?

I agree. Him being cut would come before that.

I wouldn't assume he'll be cut before that bonus. Lee Evans received a 1.5 million dollar bonus then got traded in the summer.

[Yasgur's Farm]

Re: Wait... what??? ESPN saying Fitz is returning?

I thought the bonus was 3mil.

It is $3M bonus + $200K workout bonus... Then $4.25M salary.

[YardRat]

Re: Wait... what??? ESPN saying Fitz is returning?

I stated this in another thread, but despite Marrone's comment I agree with those who won't be surprised if Fitz is still cut.

[Yasgur's Farm]

Re: Wait... what??? ESPN saying Fitz is returning?

I wouldn't assume he'll be cut before that bonus. Lee Evans received a 1.5 million dollar bonus then got traded in the summer.

Lee Evans was traded to the Ravens... It was a 4th rounder.

[THATHURMANATOR]

Re: Wait... what??? ESPN saying Fitz is returning?

I would be absolutely SHOCKED if Fitz was not on the 2013 roster.

Why wouldn't he be? There is absolutely NOTHING out there.

As sad as this sounds I actually like the Jackson signing as well.

Ad this to the QB THEY BETTER take in the first couple rounds and it is an all out competition.

Marrone isn't tied to Fitz so you can bet that if one of the other two beats him out he will play.

From what I have researched we don't save much cap room in cutting him. (money yes but cap room no)

So with all that said Fitz is probably going to be on the team. Why are some of you acting so shocked about it?

[DraftBoy]

Re: Wait... what??? ESPN saying Fitz is returning?

I wouldnt be surprised if they cut him or keep him. Both moves make sense.

[THATHURMANATOR]

Re: Wait... what??? ESPN saying Fitz is returning?

I wouldnt be surprised if they cut him or keep him. Both moves make sense.

I just can't see them cutting him. What makes sense about it? Unless I am wrong about Cap savings they could open up.

[Skooby]

Re: Wait... what??? ESPN saying Fitz is returning?

I hope they cut him, I've seen enough.

[Yasgur's Farm]

Re: Wait... what??? ESPN saying Fitz is returning?

From what I have researched we don't save much cap room in cutting him. (money yes but cap room no)

So with all that said Fitz is probably going to be on the team.

While that's true for 2013... It's not true for 2014 and beyond. Fitz will have at least $8M cap hit in 2014 if released in 2014... $6M in 2015... $4M in 2015...

It will be more if the Bills choose to amortize his 2013 bonus in order to make a more friendly 2013 cap.

Best to release him now IMO. An alternative would be for him to accept a renegotiaiton bringing his cap # down to ~$4M... But that only increases the cap hits in 2014 and beyond if they part ways after 2013.

[DraftBoy]

Re: Wait... what??? ESPN saying Fitz is returning?

I just can't see them cutting him. What makes sense about it? Unless I am wrong about Cap savings they could open up.

Not about just dollars and cents. You have a locker room that likes Fitz, you leave him there but don't play him you may have some players that don't like that. Players stay pretty loyal to their guy and our #1 WR we know is a huge fan of Fitz. It could become a locker room issue if the new guy comes in and struggles some.

[YardRat]

Re: Wait... what??? ESPN saying Fitz is returning?

Culture change starts with cutting Fitz. Period.