FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets head to training camp on Wednesday with their expected starting quarterback still unsigned.

Locked in a contract stalemate that many assumed would have been resolved months ago, Ryan Fitzpatrick is still waiting for a new deal. That situation seems unlikely to change, according to ESPN's Ed Werder who says the two sides remain far apart in search for a deal.

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"Until I get to training camp and see what happens," a mildly annoyed coach Todd Bowles said during minicamp last month, "I'm pretty much done talking about it."

Well, get ready, coach.

Fitzpatrick set a franchise record with 31 touchdown passes and led the Jets to a 10-6 mark and within a win of the playoffs. He also galvanized a locker room shocked by Ikemefuna Enemkpali's punch during camp last summer that broke the jaw of Geno Smith, sending the incumbent starter to the sideline.

Fitzpatrick enjoyed a career year while being reunited with offensive co-ordinator Chan Gailey and with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker catching just about everything thrown their way. So it seemed only a formality the veteran quarterback would re-sign with the Jets as a free agent.

Almost seven months later ... still nothing.

If Fitzpatrick comes back, he'll have the starting role. If not, it's Smith's turn again.

"I don't think I need to necessarily re-establish myself," Smith said, "rather than to prove it every single day in practice, prove it to my coaches, teammates, whoever's watching."

Smith looked good during off-season workouts and minicamp, appearing to smoothly operate Gailey's offence. But his career totals of 27 touchdowns, 35 interceptions and a 57.9 completion percentage when the games count have created plenty of skepticism whether he can truly lead a franchise.

If Fitzpatrick doesn't come back and Smith struggles early during a tough first half of the schedule, a frustrated fan base could be calling for second-year QB Bryce Petty or even rookie Christian Hackenberg to take over.

Fitzpatrick, however, isn't the only player the Jets are trying to get signed as training camp opens, first-round pick Darron Lee is yet to sign his rookie deal. Lee, a linebacker out of Ohio State, was selected 20th overall by the Jets in May's draft. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports no deal is looming for Lee, either.

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