Ryan Fitzpatrick lands two new jobs this offseason

Former Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick finally found a new gig in the NFL as he signed with the Bucs on Friday.

According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter the Bucs will pay Fitzpatrick $3 million in 2017. Taking a $9 million pay cut to be a backup probably wasn’t in his plans, but reflects the market for the former Harvard man following an indifferent season in which he tossed just 12 touchdown passes and 17 interceptions.

The 34-year-old now links up with his seventh NFL team and will play mentor to up and coming star, Jameis Winston. The addition looks a shrewd one for Tampa Bay, adding a valuable locker room presence and capable backup should Winston go down at any point.

But, being Winston’s backup isn’t the only job Fitzpatrick has picked up since becoming a free agent this March.

With plenty of time to kill in-between his stint with the Jets ending and him signing in Tampa, it appears that the Arizona native has been putting his Ivy League education to good use.

Aside from fulfilling his fatherly duties, Fitzpatrick reportedly took up a job teaching a Rubiks Cube class.

"Speaking to former Jets teammate Willie Colon on SportsNet New York Fitzpatrick said: “I’ve got a lot of time just to spend with my kids…It’s been a lot of fun.“I’m keeping busy, teaching a Rubik’s cube class and having a good time.”"

Now we all knew he was a really smart guy with his Harvard education and near perfect wonderlic score of 48, but this is bizarre even by his standards of intelligence.

Now that he has found a new footballing home in Tampa though, Fitzpatrick may have to give up his side job for the time being.

Bucs on the up in 2017

Second year head coach Dirk Koetter is building an exciting team that should push Atlanta close for the NFC South. The Bucs had an outstanding offseason adding weapons in needy positions on offense. Additions that could help elevate them to their first playoff berth in nine years.

Desean Jackson and OJ Howard in particular will add dynamism and a much needed deep threat for Winston. Adding these playmakers to go with pro bowlers Mike Evans and Doug Martin could see the offense take off. Offseason additions in the secondary including JJ Wilcox and drafting  safety Justin Evans will also help on defense.

Whilst Fitzpatrick isn’t likely to play, his experience and football IQ will inevitably rub off on his teammates. There might even be some Rubiks Cube coaching in their off time too.