Flores loves what Fitzpatrick brings, but does he have ’20 role?

DAVIE — Ryan Fitzpatrick did something in the Miami Dolphins’ overtime victory over the Cincinnati Bengals that he had never done previously during his 15-year career.

Fitzpatrick — one month after his 37th birthday and in his 155th game in the NFL — threw for a career-high 419 yards with four touchdowns during Miami’s 38-35 win that gave the Dolphins their fourth victory of the season on Sunday. Maybe, he’s just getting started. Fitzpatrick has remained healthy, being available to play in all 15 of Miami’s games already played this season, and he’s expected to start in the finale against the New England Patriots (12-3) this Sunday.

Fitzpatrick has galvanized his Dolphins teammates and endeared himself among other members of the franchise, too. He even put his trademark beard to good use, dressing as Santa Claus at the Dolphins holiday party last week.

Fitzpatrick is under contract with the Dolphins through next season and could earn $8 million including incentives, as the franchise plans to draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft next April that could benefit greatly from his mentorship.

Why should the Dolphins not commit to Fitzpatrick through next season?

Maybe, Fitzpatrick is not ready to commit to it just yet himself.

Dolphins coach Brian Flores did not want to address Fitzpatrick’s future on Monday, perhaps out of respect for Fitzpatrick, who has not wanted to address the topic at times during this season.

But Flores’ compliment of Fitzpatrick, the quarterback running the offense on his team as a first-time NFL head coach, was notable and maybe even an endorsement.

“I don’t have a crystal ball here. I can tell you I love Fitz, and I think he’s done a great job for us. But those are conversations for a later time. Those are exit meeting conversations,” Flores said of Fitzpatrick, whose future will likely be addressed with the Dolphins front office after the season.

“But he’s done a great job for us this year and I love that he’s our quarterback.”

Fitzpatrick’s future with the Dolphins may be up for him to ultimately decide.

He signed a two-year deal earlier this year to join the Dolphins, with hopes of continuing his career on the field, and has been able to do so thanks to Flores and the franchise.

Along with playing time, the Dolphins brought him in to serve as bridge quarterback between former starter Ryan Tannehill and a rookie.

Instead of drafting a quarterback last April during the 2019 draft, they traded for one, second-year backup Josh Rosen, who has marinated in practice and on the sidelines during games behind Fitzpatrick.

The same opportunity could present itself for Fitzpatrick if the Dolphins draft a quarterback like injured Alabama star Tua Tagovailoa, so Fitzpatrick can continue playing while Tagovailoa recovers from a hip injury that could cause him to miss a portion, if not all, of next season.

“You never know how things are going to work out,” Fitzpatrick said earlier this month about playing the second year of his deal.

“Every time you sign a contract, I guess you’re ready for the duration of the contract, and sometimes you get cut and that gets cut short. Sometimes you get extended. Sometimes you just play through it, and I’ve kind of done it every whichway. Those things, the contracts at least for me and historically throughout my career, they sometimes don’t mean a whole lot.”

Despite the ups and downs of Miami’s 4-11 rebuilding campaign, Fitzpatrick has thoroughly enjoyed his Dolphins experience.

He was benched earlier this season for Rosen to start three games, but he has maintained a stranglehold on Miami’s starting job since.

He’s tossed for more than 3,000 yards for the fifth time in his career and needs one more touchdown pass to reach at least 20 for the fifth time, too.

His play has also rubbed off on other Dolphins players like receiver DeVante Parker and tight end Mike Gesicki, who have reached career highs in receptions, yards and touchdowns this season, while several offensive linemen gained significant starting experience.

Fitzpatrick has been grateful for Flores providing him the opportunity this season.

And it could linger into next season, too, if both sides wish to see it through.

“I’m just — I’m happy. I’m so happy that ‘Flo’ trusted to put me back in the lineup and trusts me in there. I work every day, not just for him but for my teammates and for everybody to try to make sure and prove him right, that he made the right decision,” Fitzpatrick said.

“We’ve only won four games, but it’s been a fight, and it’s been a lot of fun these last 9-10 weeks to work with these guys.”