Maybe I'll get torn apart for this, but I think too many people are too quick to provide the caveat, "not a franchise/star/etc." I think he is a good qb right now, and I think he could blossom into a top 5 qb (a rough description of what I consider "franchise"). Is Brady the barometer here? Have you seen his offensive line play? A handful of qbs would look just as dominant with the coaching and line play of new england* - and I'm not taking anything away from Brady, he's an excellent qb. I guess my point is that while fitz may not be elite right now, I think he has that potential. I am very excited to see what an offseason as the entrenched starter (focus of the position coaches, film room, etc) will yield.
-Not saying he is elite right now. However it wouldn't surprise me if he became what many consider 'elite.'