Doug Marrone: 'Ryan Fitzpatrick has competition'

Doug Marrone has said that there will be competition for the starting quarterback role at the Buffalo Bills in 2013.

Ryan Fitzpatrick started all 16 games for the AFC East side in 2012, but the team reached a new deal with backup quarterback Tavaris Jackson last week.

The Bills head coach told the team's website: "I spoke with Ryan and Tarvaris 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 off-season 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."

Jackson, who joined the Bills from the Seattle Seahawks last year, had been due to become a free agent next month.