The Washington Commanders are desperately seeking an answer at the quarterback position. One man who will not be an option to start for Washington in 2022 is the quarterback who opened the 2021 season as the starting quarterback.
Washington coach Ron Rivera was on “One Bills Live” on WGR 550 recently and was asked about Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Rivera’s response, per Sal Capaccio of WGR 550: “we’re now in a situation where we’re going to look, and we’re going to look to move forward.”
This isn’t a surprise to anyone, but Rivera in recent years, Rivera would usually answer this question by saying, “we are still evaluating all of our options,” without mentioning Fitzpatrick by name.
Not the 2022 version of Rivera. The Washington head coach has been on every outlet in the DMV, and beyond telling everyone, the Commanders were going to be aggressive for a franchise quarterback.
Washington Commanders HC Ron Rivera was asked about pending UFA QB Ryan Fitzpatrick on @OneBillsLive on @WGR550: “we’re now in a situation where we’re going to look and we’re going to look to move forward,” essentially confirming he will not be re-signed by the club.
— Sal Capaccio
(@SalSports) March 2, 2022
Fitzpatrick was never expected to be anything more than a one-year stopgap that would allow the Commanders to compete for a playoff spot in 2021 while still keeping their options open at quarterback in 2022 and beyond.
Unfortunately, Fitzpatrick was injured in the second quarter of his only start, and his season ended with only six passing attempts.
Fitzpatrick never returned and was last seen shirtless at a playoff game in Buffalo, where he played four seasons.
The 2021 season didn’t go the way Washington or Fitzpatrick planned. However, it was only a $10 million gamble and didn’t prevent the Commanders from searching for another passer this offseason.