Fitzpatrick chose Dolphins due to opportunity to start
Ryan Fitzpatrick joined the eighth team of his 15-year career when he signed with the Miami Dolphins this week. On Tuesday, he revealed what in particular made Miami an alluring destination.
Speaking on a conference call with local reporters, the well-traveled quarterback said he received similar offers to the two-year, $11-million deal he signed with the Dolphins, but Miami was the only team providing an opportunity to start, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.
There remains the possibility the rebuilding Dolphins could draft a quarterback in April, and that's not lost on Fitzpatrick.
"We'll see what happens. I know this is the NFL and nothing is promised," he said, according to Hal Habib of the Palm Beach Post.
The 36-year-old has enjoyed a late surge in his career. He threw a career-high 31 touchdowns with the New York Jets in 2015, although he threw 17 interceptions the following year. He spent the past two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, starting in 10 games.
He's come to be identified by his propensity for spurts of magical play - or "Fitzmagic" - and a now iconic beard, something he'll continue to rock in the South Florida heat.
"It's become a part of who I am. It will definitely be in full effect," he said, according to ESPN's Cameron Wolfe.