Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buccaneers Agree on New Contract

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018, the team announced Friday.

Fitzpatrick arrived in Tampa in 2017 following an inconsistent two-year stay with the New York Jets. He appeared in six games, including three starts, in relief of starter Jameis Winston. 

During that brief action, Fitzpatrick led the Bucs to a pair of wins over the Jets and Miami Dolphins. He finished the season having completed 58.9 percent of his passes for 1,103 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.

"Real confident, very smart, processes things well and can make plays outside the pocket," Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans said of Fitzpatrick in November, according to the Associated Press (via USA Today). "He's similar to Jameis."

Fitzpatrick evidently left a strong impression on his teammates, but it was unclear whether he had a future in Tampa since he was slated to become an unrestricted free agent in March. However, the Bucs are re-signing the 2005 seventh-round pick.

Not only is Fitzpatrick capable of filling in and leading the Buccaneers offense without issue, but he's a low-cost and positive presence in the QB room who can further aid in Winston's development.