Stalemate Continues For Jets, Fitzpatrick As Training Camp Begins

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and the New York Jets remain at an impasse as training camp begins Wednesday in Florham Park, N.J.

The two sides have not spoken since contract talks broke off about a month ago and they remain “far apart” with no resolution in sight, according to ESPN‘s Ed Werder.

Stalemate Continues For Jets, Fitzpatrick As Training Camp Begins

New York offered Fitzpatrick a three-year, $24 million contract back in February, according to various reports, after the journeyman QB posted the best season of his career in 2015.

The sticking point for Fitzpatrick’s camp was that the offer included only $18 million in guarantees, $12 million for the first season and $6 million for the remaining two.

After throwing for a franchise-record, 31 touchdowns and a career-best 3,905 passing yards, Fitzpatrick believed he earned more guaranteed money, spurred by the Houston Texans signing of former Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler, who inked a four-year, $72 million deal, with $37 million guaranteed.

RYAN FITZPATRICK 2015 HIGHLIGHTS

Osweiler has played in 21 games in his career and his signing bonus ($12 million) would equal the first year’s earnings for Fitzpatrick, should he sign the February offer.

A graduate of Harvard, Fitzpatrick, 33, earned $3.25 million in 2015, when he led the Jets to a 10-6 record, a year after going 4-12.

New York fell a win short of the playoffs after losing to the Buffalo Bills, and former head coach Rex Ryan, in the season finale.

The Jets and head coach Todd Bowles have continued to heap praise upon former starting signal-caller Geno Smith, who would be a front-runner to reclaim the role should Fitzpatrick not re-sign.

Bowles told reporters Smith is “light-years ahead” of where he was before last season, the head coach’s first in New York.

DAVID HARRIS IS HOPING RYAN FITZPATRICK RETURNS TO JETS

It was Fitzpatrick who was brought in to fill-in for Smith after he suffered a broken jaw as a result of an altercation with former Jets linebacker IK Enemkpali.

After starting the season 2-0, Fitzpatrick was named the full-time starter by Bowles.

Third-year quarterback Bryce Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg are attempting to supplant Smith for the job if it remains vacant.

New York has maintained that Fitzpatrick is the starter if he signs.

The Jets signed defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson to a five-year, $86 million contract at the beginning of July, but that deal may have actually helped move the two sides closer to an agreement for Fitzpatrick.

“In theory it could help expand their options,” Jets beat reporter and ESPN Analyst Dan Graziano said. “Because they gained $5.7 million worth of cap room with (the Wilkerson contract).”

“Honestly I think they have a number in mind for Fitzpatrick and they are happy to have him back if he likes it and they’re happy to move on without him if he doesn’t.”

Article by Kevin Xavier