http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/07/28/fitzpatrick-deal-has-phony-second-year-for-cap-purposes/
Posted by Mike Florio on July 28, 2016, 5:11 PM EDT
Getty ImagesOften when surmising, I surmise incorrectly. Last night, I surmised that Ryan Fitzpatrick’s new one-year contract has a phony second or third year, in order to shrink the 2016 cap hit below $12 million.
For change, I surmised correctly.
Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com reports that Fitzpatrick’s contract covers two years, but that the second year will evaporate. With a $10 million signing bonus and $2 million base salary, Fitzpatrick’s cap hit will be $7 million this year and $5 million next year.
This means that, if he’s not on the team in 2017, he’ll count for at least $5 million. If he is on the team, he’ll count for $5 million plus whatever his cap hit is on his next contract.
He also could count for up to another $3 million next year, if he hits the various triggers based on playing time and postseason success. The Jets need to win the Super Bowl before Fitzpatrick gets the full $3 million.