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Maccagnan says Jets' focus remains on re-signing Fitzpatrick

NFL, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, New York Giants

NEW YORK -- The New York Jets remain focused on Fitz.

General manager Mike Maccagnan made it clear Friday during a conference call that the Jets' preference is to re-sign quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is a free agent after setting a franchise record with 31 touchdown passes last season.

"Our goal is to hopefully get Ryan under contract," Maccagnan said. "We're focused on trying to get the player back."

Maccagnan called Fitzpatrick "a very good fit" for the Jets, who went 10-6 and just missed the playoffs last season. The 33-year-old had arguably the best season of his career, thriving in Chan Gailey's offense.

While the GM wouldn't go into detail about where the sides stand in negotiations, the public perception is that there is a stalemate over what Fitzpatrick is worth on the open market.

"We're actively trying to facilitate a contract with him," Maccagnan said.

The Jets aren't operating with a deadline to reach a deal with Fitzpatrick. Maccagnan insisted there's not necessarily any frustration from the team's perspective in the failure so far to reach a deal, saying it's simply part of the process.

The inexperienced Chase Daniel received a three-year, $21 million deal from Philadelphia last week, and it's uncertain whether the Jets' offer to Fitzpatrick -- who has played 11 NFL seasons -- is much more than that. Fitzpatrick could be looking for something closer to the $18 million average that both Philadelphia's Sam Bradford and Houston's Brock Osweiler got.

"We like Ryan," Maccagnan said. "We'd like to have Ryan back. But, it's free agency, so you go through this. At some point in time, hopefully we can find a middle ground we're both happy with."

If not, Maccagnan said, the Jets have some contingencies in place, although he wouldn't reveal them.

New York brought in former Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III for a visit last week, something Maccagnan said was the team just doing its "due diligence." He added that it was "a good visit," but characterized it as more of a "meet and greet."

Former starter Geno Smith would "definitely be a possibility" to replace Fitzpatrick if the veteran signs elsewhere, Maccagnan said. Smith was on track to start last season before his jaw was broken by a punch from then-teammate Ikemefuna Enemkpali during training camp. Fitzpatrick was thrust into the starting role and never relinquished it, with Smith seeing action in just one game as a backup.

"Geno did do some good things, and we'll see how it unfolds," Maccagnan said. "He never got a chance to really go out there and compete for the job, so he is a bit of an unknown, really."

While the status of the quarterback position is the hot topic, defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson's future with the franchise is also uncertain. He received the franchise tag this offseason, worth $15.701 million, and could be a candidate to be traded to relieve the team of his salary.

Wilkerson, who was selected to his first Pro Bowl last year, is coming off a broken leg but said in an Instagram post that he's ahead of schedule in his recovery. That's good news for the Jets -- and possible trade partners.

"It's not something we're actively pursuing," Maccagnan said. "But at the end of the day, he is under the franchise tag, so we'll see how this thing plays out."

Left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson also faces uncertainty, mainly because of the $14.1 million salary cap number on his current contract. The Jets don't have much room under the cap -- about $2.3 million -- and they could save $9 million if they release Ferguson, who has spent his entire 10-year career with New York. A restructured deal is also a possibility.

"Right now, I would say he would be on our roster going forward," Maccagnan said, "but we'll see how this thing unfolds."

Game notes
Maccagnan said the team wasn't made aware of the extent of CB Darrelle Revis' wrist injury until last week, and Revis was never treated for it during the season -- which is why it was never listed on the injury report. Revis had surgery Thursday on a torn ligament in his right wrist and will be in a cast for two to three months but should be healthy for training camp. ... Maccagnan said the Jets were "close" in their offer for NT Damon Harrison, who signed with the Giants for five years and $46 million.

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