6 free-agent quarterbacks the Vikings could sign in 2021
By Adam Patrick
Ryan Fitzpatrick
If it feels like Ryan Fitzpatrick has been playing in the NFL forever, it’s because he basically has. Fitzpatrick got his first opportunity back in 2005 with the St. Louis Rams, and since then, he’s suited up for a total of eight teams in 16 seasons.
He’s been in the NFL so long that he was actually a member of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008 during Mike Zimmer’s first year as the team’s defensive coordinator (when Zimmer had slightly fewer gray hairs).
As a 38-year-old free agent this offseason, Fitzpatrick must decide if he wants to continue his career as a professional football player or if the time has come for him to hang up his cleats. If he wants to keep playing, Zimmer should give his former colleague a call to see if he would want to be Kirk Cousins’ backup for next season.
Even though he has continued to float around the NFL during the last few years, Fitzpatrick is still capable of helping a team win a few games when needed.
In his last three seasons, the veteran quarterback has posted a passer rating of 91.8, which is better than other notable signal-callers from around the league, including Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield, Cam Newton, and Carson Wentz.