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AFC Notes: Idzik, Fitzpatrick, Steelers

NFL News
November 7, 2015

Former Jets general manager John Idzik will be headed back to New York this weekend when his current team, the Jaguars, takes on his former team. The current special assistant won’t be talking to the media, but Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post wonders if the executive will feel a bit jealous at his former employer’s current success.

Of course, some in the organization recognize Idzik’s contribution to this current squad.

“I’m sure Idzik wants to come here and just stick it in our [butts],’’ said linebacker Trevor Reilly. “I would, too, if I was him. But he drafted me. He drafted a lot of us in here. You always say you hope for the best for the guy, but obviously not this week. I don’t think Idzik’s a bad guy. I’m grateful he drafted me. I might not be here if he didn’t.

“Some of the moves we’ve made this season I’m assuming Mike [Maccagnan] would credit Idzik for — for clearing cap space the last two seasons. So, in that aspect, I guess we as a team can thank Idzik for clearing all that cap space. I think we were $25 million under the cap last year.’’

Let’s check out some more notes from the AFC…

  • Rich Cimini believes there’s a good chance the Jets will hold onto quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for next season. Sure, the 32-year-old certainly isn’t a franchise player, but his next contract will likely be affordable, and he’s also an upgrade over Geno Smith and Bryce Petty.
  • Meanwhile, Cimini can’t envision the organization replacing Fitzpatrick with any of the “big-name” quarterback free agents, including Kirk Cousins, Sam Bradford or Drew Stanton. However, if a player like Drew Brees or Matthew Stafford became available, that could change the organization’s plans.
  • Members of the Steelers are thrilled at the team’s acquisition of speedster Jacoby Jones. “He’s one of the all-time great kick returners,” cornerback Antwon Blake told John Perrotto of the Associated Press. “It’s exciting to know he’ll be on our side.”

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