The New York Jets' staring contest with Ryan Fitzpatrick continues to press on.
Speaking Friday, general manager Mike Maccagnan said the team is intent on bringing back the signal-caller.
"Our focus has always been Ryan," he said, per the team's official Twitter account. "We like Ryan and that's (the contract) we're trying to facilitate."
Added Maccagnan: "It'll work itself out."
The 'work itself out' part is wholly in regards to money. Fitzpatrick and the Jets remain far apart on the quarterback's monetary worth, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport previously reported.
The GM added that it might take some time for the team and quarterback to bridge the gap.
Sitting with little cap room, the Jets want to bring back Fitzpatrick, but not currently at the rate going for veteran starting signal-callers.
In the interim, Maccagnan reiterated several times the team continues to do its due diligence on quarterbacks, which included bringing in Brian Hoyer for a visit, but the aim is ultimately Fitzpatrick.
"Our focus is Ryan but then again, he's a (free agent)," Maccagnan said. "I think Brian Hoyerwas an opportunity to look into. We like him as a prospect."
Maccagnan added the team also reached out to the Tennessee Titans when they owned the No. 1 overall pick.
"The short answer is yes, we inquired," he said, again calling it due diligence.
In the end, we still expect the Jets and Fitzpatrick to eventually agree on terms. The marriage makes too much sense for both sides. New York doesn't want to ride the Genocoaster again and Fitzpatrick's market exactly isn't booming. It might not happen soon, but it makes too much sense for the reunion not to happen.
