FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Ryan who? Under orders not to discuss the Ryan Fitzpatrick contract dispute, several players on the New York Jets clammed up Wednesday when questioned about their absent quarterback -- the major storyline as the team reported to training camp.
"All questions about Ryan are for coach [Todd] Bowles," running back Matt Forte said. "They told the team that."
They?
"Everybody knows who they are," he said, probably referring to the public relations staff.
The Jets and the unsigned Fitzpatrick have been locked in a contract stalemate since January. The sides have not talked about a contract recently and remain far apart in determining the player's value, and no resolution is expected any time soon, a source told ESPN's Ed Werder.
The tone on Wednesday was a stark contrast to the offseason practices, when many players -- namely wide receivers Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall -- were outspoken in their support of Fitzpatrick, a popular team leader who set a franchise record with 31 touchdown passes in 2015.
Neither Decker nor Marshall were among the five players made available to the media on Wednesday. Neither was quarterback Geno Smith, currently in the starter's role. Bowles won't meet the media until Thursday, following the first practice.
Center Nick Mangold, one of Fitzpatrick's closest friends on the team, said he spoke to the quarterback on Tuesday. He said they didn't discuss football or his contract situation. Clearly, Mangold was uncomfortable talking about it with reporters.
"I don't know, man," he said, "Listen, I don't claim to know what's going on or have any feelings about what's going on because I have no control over it. Hopefully, things get worked out. If they don't, they don't. if they do, great. I have to worry about blocking nose tackles. That's my focus. The other stuff will figure itself out."
The Jets have presented multiple offers to Fitzpatrick, including a three-year, $24 million proposal that includes $15 million in guarantees. He has no other suitors, but he has refused to accept what he believes is a below-market deal. He made $3.25 million in 2015.
Despite the impasse, the Jets have said they'd still like to re-sign Fitzpatrick as their starter, although Bowles suggested last month they'd have to adjust their plan if the matter remains unresolved at a certain point. The Jets haven't declared a deadline. They apparently will evaluate Smith in the early stages of camp, perhaps waiting until after the first preseason game before making a final call on Fitzpatrick.
"We have to work with everybody's who's here," Forte said. "If you're here, we're going to get better. And if not, there's nothing I can do about it."
Coming off a 10-win, non-playoff season, the Jets believe they have enough talent to end their five-year postseason drought. The uncertainty at quarterback is a major question, not to mention a potential distraction.
"If you guys keep asking questions, maybe," Mangold said, laughing. "But I don't think so. If you can block out everything else, you can block out this and focus on what needs to be focused on -- building this team."