Jets have discussed signing veteran QB absent Fitzpatrick deal

A lack of progress in contract talks with Ryan Fitzpatrick is forcing the New York Jets to at least consider a contingency plan.

Head coach Todd Bowles told reporters Wednesday that the team has held discussions about signing another veteran quarterback if a deal with Fitzpatrick can't be reached, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.

The two sides have spoken of a mutual interest throughout the offseason, but it remains unclear whether they'll be able to bridge the significant gap in contract terms.

New York's most recent offer was a reported three-year contract worth $8 million per year. Fitzpatrick, coming off the most productive season of his 11-year career, is thought to be seeking an annual average nearly double that amount.

Geno Smith has stepped into the starting role throughout offseason activities thus far, and all indications are that the team has been pleased with his progress over years past.

While New York has been careful to not name him the starter, Bowles conceded that there's only so long that the club can wait for a possible Fitzpatrick arrival.

"There comes a point, but we're not at that point yet," he said. "If it's Week 4 in training camp and he's not here, you know who your starter is going to be Week 1."

He added: "It's to the extreme, but there's a ticking clock. You have time until you don't have time."

Any veteran signed in the event the Jets and Fitzpatrick opt to break off talks would compete for the No. 2 job behind Smith. Options for which are thin at this stage in the offseason, though, as Tarvaris Jackson, Jimmy Clausen, and Michael Vick headline the current group of free-agent signal-callers.