Free agent QB Ryan Fitzpatrick "would like to be back" with Jets

— -- Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y -- Free-agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, in his first public comments since the end of the season, said Monday that he wants to return to the New York Jets.

"I would like to be back," Fitzpatrick told two reporters at Willie Colon's charity golf outing at Hudson National Golf Club.

Fitzpatrick, engaged in a three-month contract stalemate, dispelled rumors that he may retire if he doesn't receive the money he covets.

"I'm playing," he said. "I'm playing football next year."