Fitzpatrick's Extension is Perfect Timing

     It's Official: Fitzpatrick is the unquestioned starter for the Buffalo Bills.  When first reading the contract I got the feeling of excitement, followed by confusion, Nausea, and concern.  I imagine many other Bills fan can relate to those feelings.  It made me wonder whether this was the right deal at the right time.  I took in some info, read some comments and saw the mixed reactions of some fellow Rumblers. Once I did, I felt much better about the deal. So, I thought I'd post some of the Info I found.  You'll find other Quarterback contracts signed the last two years in comparison to Fitzy's contract today after the Jump.

     Fans will be quick to point out his inconsistencies or 8-11 record over the past 19 games.  Those stats don't lie, but they don't completely represent his individual play. Players need to Feel wanted and well Paid.  Brian Talked about the Dichotomy between General Managers and Head coaches in an article last week.  The same principles and rules can be applied between Management and Fans.

     To put some perspective on the Deal, it's important to remember players are Humans just like the rest of us.  Fitzpatrick shed light on this in his own comments: "I’d be lying if I said that it’s something I haven’t even thought about all year," Fitzpatrick had said. "It’s something that exists, that’s in the air. I’m human, too, so I can’t just block it away."

Fitzpatrick recieved exactly what he sould have from the Bills, based on is improving play, team leadership skills, and improving the W-L column for this team.

  Looking at other quarterback deals the last two seasons, I believe Fitzpatrick was compensated just right for his performance thus far.  Take a look at other quarterback deals below and see where Fitzpatrick falls in for yourself.  Three of the quarterbacks were in the playoffs last year as starters, something Fitzpatrick does need to make good on to earn the stamp on this extension.

Matt Cassel Signed a six-year, $63 million contract with the Kansas City Cheifs. The deal contains $28 million guaranteed.  The Chiefs also gave up a 2nd round pick for his services. He's going to make $40.5 million in the first three years of his contract. The Chiefs are 3-3 this season.

Kevin Kolb and the Arizona Cardinals agreed to a six-year, $65 million contract. The deal contains $21.5 million guaranteed. 2011-2016.  The cardinals also recently went through a trade of this caliber this past summer when they dealt Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second round pick to the Eagles in exchange for Kolb. The Cardinals are 1-5.

The Eagles Signed Michael Vick to a six-year, $100 million contract after one playoff appearance and a first round exit. The deal contains $35.5 million guaranteed, including a $7 million signing bonus. The Eagles are 2-4.

The Rams Signed Sam Bradford to a six-year, $78 million contract. The deal contains $50 million guaranteed before he ever played a snap for the the NFL let alone the Team. The Rams are 0-6

Matt Hasselback Hit free agency this off-season with a solid career of Playoff Appearances and a NFC championship on his resume.  The Titans Signed him to a three-year, $20 million contract. The deal included a $6 million signing bonus.  Double the years and reduce the age he's making Fitzpatrick Money.  The Titans are 3-3.

A downgrade from Hasselback could be Tarvaris Jacksons leap to the Seahawks this off-season. Seattle Signed Tarvaris Jackson to a two-year, $8 million contract. The deal included a $1.5 million signing bonus.  This contract mirrors the first contract the Bills gave Fitzpatrick.  A quarterback that flashed ability but had to prove more.             Seattle is 2-4

Fitzpatrick's contract of 6 years for 59 Million with 33 million coming in the first three years seems just right for this team. 

After All the Bills are 4-2.