The Buffalo Bills have re-signed quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, the team announced Friday. Jackson was inactive for all 16 games last season after coming over from Seattle in a trade just before the regular season started.
Head coach Doug Marrone indicated he’ll be in an open competition for the starting job.
“I spoke with Ryan (Fitzpatrick) and Tarvaris (Jackson) and told them we will have an open competition at the quarterback position – similar to what we will do at all positions on our team heading into our offseason work. I believe that our players will embrace this challenge. We are looking forward to working with our players as we prepare for the 2013 season.” Marrone said in a statement released by the club.
Most notably, this means Fitzpatrick will be back in Buffalo, at least for the time being. It also means he’ll be paid his $3 million roster bonus, due at 4:00pm on March 13. Assuming the Bills fork over that money, that means he’s highly unlikely to go anywhere.
The question of course, is will Fitzpatrick be the starter. You have to expect the team to draft a quarterback early in the NFL draft in April regardless of who’s on the roster. It’s hard to envision any excitement coming out of One Bills Drive if the only two starting candidates are Fitzpatrick and Jackson.
