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Ex-Jets LB Scott rips Fitzpatrick over contract demands

Mark L. Baer / USA TODAY Sports

Former New York Jets linebacker Bart Scott lambasted free-agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick over his contract demands.

Fitzpatrick, who threw 31 touchdowns against 15 interceptions last season with the New York Jets, remains on the open market after refusing a contract offer from the club.

Although he's coming off one of the best seasons of his career, Scott blasted Fitzpatrick, stating that he's a sub-par starting quarterback.

Related: Jets owner Johnson says 'no news' on prospective Fitzpatrick deal

"Fitz don't have a leg to stand on, man,” Scott said on SiriusXM NFL Radio, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. "He is who he is. You can have great teams and great records, but at this point, pretty much everybody knows who he is. He's a quality guy. On another 20 teams in the league, he would be a backup. The only teams that he would start for are the teams that have bad quarterback situations. He's a bridge guy, a glue guy."

Scott said that Fitzpatrick shouldn't be making money his top priority, after previously signing a six-year, $59-million contract with the Buffalo Bills in 2011.

"All these people are tripping about money and respect. Man, come on, man. It's a lot of people out there that [are] underpaid and a lot of people that [are] overpaid. You had your opportunity when you had your leverage in Buffalo. You got paid, you took advantage of it. You don't get to cash in twice, bro. It's only 32 jobs. If you don't take it, somebody will. One thing I know about the NFL is they will turn the page and move on."

Fitzpatrick may have to acquiesce to the Jets' offer with a number of teams filling their holes at quarterback in the offseason.

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