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Take it away, Adam Schefter.
Texans have signed quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to a two-year contract, per @Edwerderespn.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 20, 2014
It is tough to know exactly what this signing means for Houston's plans in the NFL draft, but a two-year contract suggests that they want to use Fitzpatrick as a transitional quarterback while they develop someone younger to take over long-term. Does Bill O'Brien fancy a developmental quarterback like Blake Bortles, who might have a higher ceiling than any signal caller in this class, and want a veteran like Fitzpatrick to guide the ship until he is ready? According to Tony Pauline, that may be so.
I'm told 3/4's through Blake Bortles workout Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien let it be known "I've seen all I need to see"..
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) March 19, 2014
Or, perhaps more realistically, Bill O'Brien does not like any quarterbacks at first overall and wants to give himself an excuse to use that lofty pick on Khalil Mack or Jadeveon Clowney. At this point, this signing tells us both everything and nothing at the same time.
You may now return to regularly scheduled debate.
[UPDATE] Contract details per Mark Berman:
Ryan Fitzpatrick's 2-year deal with Texans is worth $7.5 million, 4 million guaranteed.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) March 20, 2014