Ryan Fitzpatrick has played for a diverse range of NFL teams, offering fans a unique example of a career built on adaptability and longevity. Understanding the ryan fitzpatrick teams in order clarifies how he remained on rosters for so many seasons and what each move meant for his role.
This overview organizes every team he joined chronologically so readers can track his journey through the league and see how opportunities changed over time.
| Team | Year Joined | Season Role | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Rams | 2005 | Undrafted Free Agent | Signed as rookie, spent season on practice squad |
| Miami Dolphins | 2006 | Backup Quarterback | Shared duties behind Cleo Lemon early, later under Chad Pennington |
| Tennessee Titans | 2007 | Backup Quarterback | Behind Vince Young in a young quarterback tandem |
| Washington Redskins | 2009 | Backup Quarterback | Provided depth behind Jason Campbell during rebuilding phase |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 2011 | Third String Quarterback | Saw limited action behind Andy Dalton and Bruce Gradkowski |
| Baltimore Ravens | 2012 | Short-Term Backup | Filled in during injuries to starter Tyrod Taylor later in season |
| Buffalo Bills | 2013 | Starter & Later Backup | Started multiple games, showed veteran leadership in division |
| New York Jets | 2013 | Starter | Took over midseason and led team through late-season stretch |
| San Francisco 49ers | 2014 | Backup Quarterback | Provided veteran presence behind Colin Kaepernick |
| Chicago Bears | 2015 | Backup Quarterback | Served as experienced option behind Jay Cutler |
| New England Patriots | 2016 | Backup Quarterback | Added depth behind Jimmy Garoppolo late in regular season |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2017 | Backup Quarterback | Provided veteran guidance behind Jameis Winston |
| New York Jets | 2018 | Starter & Mentor | Started season opener due to Sam Darnold injury, later mentored rookie |
| Los Angeles Rams | 2019 | Third String Quarterback | Added depth on a deep playoff roster as run support |
| Washington Football Team | 2020 | Backup Quarterback | Provided veteran leadership behind Taylor Heinicke during pandemic season |
Ryan Fitzpatrick Early Career Teams
2005: St. Louis Rams Entry
Ryan Fitzpatrick entered the NFL by signing with the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He spent most of the season on the practice squad, learning the system and adjusting to professional football without seeing regular season action.
2006: Miami Dolphins Backup Role
The Miami Dolphins gave Fitzpatrick a chance as a backup in 2006. With Cleo Lemon and later Chad Pennington ahead of him, he focused on preparation and situational reps, which built his reputation for professionalism.
Mid-Career Team Transitions
2007–2010: Tennessee Titans and Washington Redskins
Fitzpatrick moved to the Tennessee Titans in 2007, again serving as backup behind Vince Young. In 2009, he joined the Washington Redskins, providing depth behind Jason Campbell during a year of transition for the franchise.
2011–2012: Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens
In 2011, Fitzpatrick was with the Cincinnati Bengals as third-string quarterback behind Andy Dalton. The following year, the Baltimore Ravens signed him to cover for injuries to Tyrod Taylor, showcasing his reliability in short-term roles.
Ryan Fitzpatrick Starting Opportunities
2013: Buffalo Bills and New York Jets Starter
Fitzpatrick found extended starting work with the Buffalo Bills in 2013, appearing in multiple games and demonstrating strong command of the offense. Later that year, the New York Jets traded for him, and he started the remainder of the season, earning respect for his leadership and accuracy.
2014–2020: Backup Roles Across Multiple Teams
After 2013, Fitzpatrick continued to add value as a backup. He supported Colin Kaepernick in San Francisco, Jay Cutler in Chicago, and later Jimmy Garoppolo in New England. His final seasons included stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a second tour with the Jets, the Los Angeles Rams, and the Washington Football Team.
Key Takeaways on Ryan Fitzpatrick Teams in Order
- Fitzpatrick began his career with the St. Louis Rams in 2005 as an undrafted free agent.
- He gained early starting experience with the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets, leading teams during critical stretches.
- His career is notable for multiple short-term backups roles with high–profile franchises like the Patriots and Buccaneers.
- Fitzpatrick’s consistency kept him on rosters for 16 seasons, demonstrating value as a reliable backup and leader.
- He finished his career with the Washington Football Team in 2020, completing a full-circle journey from his earliest team.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which team did Ryan Fitzpatrick start for first?
Ryan Fitzpatrick first started for the Buffalo Bills during the 2013 season after injuries to the Bills’ regular quarterback.
Which team did Ryan Fitzpatrick play for immediately before the Jets in 2013?
Immediately before joining the New York Jets in 2013, Fitzpatrick was with the Buffalo Bills earlier that same season.
Which team did Ryan Fitzpatrick play for in his final season?
Ryan Fitzpatrick’s final season was in 2020 with the Washington Football Team, where he served as a backup behind Taylor Heinicke.
How many different teams did Ryan Fitzpatrick play for in his career?
Ryan Fitzpatrick played for 10 different teams over the course of his NFL career, from the Rams and Dolphins in his early years to the Redskins in his final season.