Ryan Fitzpatrick Contract Negotiations Discussed by Jets Owner Woody Johnson

The New York Jets and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick remain in a contract standoff, and owner Woody Johnson made it clear Thursday he doesn't believe the result will make or break his team. 

According to Darryl Slater of NJ Advance Media, Johnson had the following to say when asked if signing the veteran signal-caller is imperative to the Jets' success: "No. I think this is a big team. We've made our statements regarding [Fitzpatrick] well-known, and I'll stick with those that we've made."

The 33-year-old Fitzpatrick is undoubtedly the top quarterback still available on the open market following a 2015 season that saw him throw for a career-high 3,905 yards and 31 touchdowns to go along with 15 interceptions.

New York fell one win short of the playoffs, and regressing under center could set the team back even further with regard to its postseason hopes.

Per Slater, Johnson said the Jets are "working on" bringing Fitzpatrick back, but he declined to offer specifics about potential negotiations: "I can't comment on exactly what we're talking about, or even if we're talking. But no, no real change."

While the dragging out of the process may seem frustrating on the surface, Johnson insisted that isn't the case:

"

You want to have everything as much resolved as you can, as quickly as possible. But not everything works out on the time schedule of what you'd like. Some things just take a little bit longer, and that's part of the deal. So here we are. I don't think it's disconcerting or concerting. It's just part of the negotiating process.

"

As things currently stand, the divisive Geno Smith is No. 1 on New York's depth chart among quarterbacks, with the inexperienced Bryce Petty behind him.

It isn't known what Fitzpatrick's asking price is or what the Jets have offered, but ESPN.com's Rich Cimini reported Sunday that New York is willing to pay more than the rumored $7 million to $8 million figure.

There may not be much of a market for the Harvard alum since most teams have settled their quarterback situations, and the Jets may not have any other viable options.

Most signs seem to point toward a reunion since it is unlikely that either side will do better elsewhere, but Johnson's comments suggest he is nowhere near ready to give in to Fitzpatrick's demands.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.