ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – New coach Doug Marrone and the Buffalo Bills are moving on without Ryan Fitzpatrick by releasing the quarterback after two-plus inconsistent seasons as starter.
The team announced the move Tuesday, shortly after the NFL's free agency period opened, and a day before Fitzpatrick was due a $3 million bonus. General manager Buddy Nix said the team kept "every possible option open," before reaching the decision.
Fitzpatrick's up-and-down performance and his contract were factors in his release. He went 20-33 as a starter over four seasons in Buffalo. And Fitzpatrick was in the midst of a six-year, $59 million contract extension signed in October 2011.
The Bills have re-signed third-string quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, and have already indicated they plan to select a quarterback in the draft next month.
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