Brandon Marshall Responds to Bart Scott's Criticism of Ryan Fitzpatrick

New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall rushed to the defense of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on Tuesday following pointed remarks from CBS NFL analyst Bart Scott regarding the veteran signal-caller and his contract negotiations with the team.

According to Darryl Slater of NJ.com, Scott said during an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio that "it's all downhill" for Fitzpatrick following a strong 2015 season and suggested that he's not a top-tier quarterback option:

"

Fitz don't have a leg to stand on, man. 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.

"

Per Slater, Marshall stood up for the free agent and praised what he accomplished as New York's starter last season: "The guy played well last year. We're all downhill. As soon as we're born, we're downhill. I think everyone knows he played at a high level last year. That's not even a question."   

Scott also pointed out that Fitzpatrick already received a sizable contract during his time with the Buffalo Bills and urged him to return to the Jets despite their contract disagreement:

"

You made a lot of money in this league. Now you can either try and play hardball and not have a team, [or have] a tremendous situation, to really change the trajectory of your career, so people can change the narrative about what they feel about Ryan Fitzpatrick as a quarterback. He has an opportunity to do that. But it ain't about the money no more.

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 there are a lot of people that are overpaid. You had your opportunity when you had your leverage in Buffalo [from 2009-12]. 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.

"

Marshall again disagreed and supported Fitzpatrick's effort to land the best deal he possibly can: "Peyton [Manning] cashed in three or four times. Tom Brady cashed in three or four times. I disagree with Bart on that. You cash in as many times as you can, and when you get the opportunity."

The 33-year-old Fitzpatrick had the best year of his career in 2015 with 3,905 yards, 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions while leading the Jets to within one win of the playoffs.

He also helped Marshall enjoy one of his best NFL seasons with 109 receptions for 1,502 yards and a career-high 14 touchdown grabs.

While Fitzpatrick may be a middle-of-the-road starter, he is unquestionably the Jets' best option. Their current depth chart under center lists Geno Smith, second-year man Bryce Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg as the pecking order.

The Jets proved last season that they have a roster capable of contending for a playoff spot, but poor quarterback play could squander it.

Both sides have some degree of leverage, but as the possibility of Smith being the starting quarterback for 2016 gets more real for the Jets, they may have no choice other than to meet Fitz's contract demands if they have designs on playing in the postseason.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.