NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Don't assume the Jets and Ryan Fitzpatrick will inevitably agree on a contract.

The free agent quarterback has told people he would "rather not play football than play for the Jets at their contract offer," ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday.

MORE: Keidel: Jets, Giants Should Both Look To Add QBs In Draft

Despite that Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan has repeatedly said he wants to re-sign Fitzpatrick and that Fitzpatrick has said he would like to return to the Jets, the two sides have been locked in a stalemate in contract talks for several weeks. The Jets have reportedly offered Fitzpatrick a deal for $7 million to $8 million annually while Fitzpatrick is looking for significantly more.

Last season, Fitzparick led the Jets to a 10-6 record, passing for 3,905 and a team-record 31 touchdowns.

MORE: Chatelain: Ugly Fitzpatrick Negotiations Could Haunt Jets Later

If Fitzpatrick, 33, does not return in 2016, the Jets could turn to one of last season's backups, Geno Smith or Bryce Petty; sign a free agent such as Brian Hoyer; trade for a QB such as Cleveland's Josh McCown, Tampa Bay's Mike Glennon or San Francisco's Colin Kaepernick; or select one in the early rounds of the draft.