Jets will ask Thomas Jones to take a pay cut (1 Viewer)

[JohnnyU]

According to beat writer Dave Hutchinson, the Jets will likely release Thomas Jones if he does not agree to restructure his contract.

No shocker here. Jones has earned his $2.8M base salary and $3M roster bonus with a second straight career year, but the Jets believe he is now expendable with Shonn Greene emerging behind a dominant line. The Jets have had talks with Jones' agent, and the sides will meet again at this week's Combine. Jones postured for more money last offseason, so it would be surprising if he agreed to a pay-cut this time around. Feb. 25 - 9:25 am et

Source: Newark Star-Ledger

Duh ! That's a given. I expect he will. TJ isn't a fool, and he know's he's on the wrong side of 30. I doubt his ego will get in the way at this point in his career. But then again, he's had two good years in a row. Maybe he feels he can cash in on one more contract.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

According to beat writer Dave Hutchinson, the Jets will likely release Thomas Jones if he does not agree to restructure his contract.No shocker here. Jones has earned his $2.8M base salary and $3M roster bonus with a second straight career year, but the Jets believe he is now expendable with Shonn Greene emerging behind a dominant line. The Jets have had talks with Jones' agent, and the sides will meet again at this week's Combine. Jones postured for more money last offseason, so it would be surprising if he agreed to a pay-cut this time around. Feb. 25 - 9:25 am etSource: Newark Star-Ledger Duh ! That's a given. I expect he will. TJ isn't a fool, and he know's he's on the wrong side of 30. I doubt his ego will get in the way at this point in his career. But then again, he's had two good years in a row. Maybe he feels he can cash in on one more contract.

While I can see the Jets point, I'm not so sure that Jones is going to be too thrilled here. He is coming off a career year and was "underpaid" during the 2009 season, although he took a lot of the money up front.It's hard to tell a player that he needs to take a paycut after putting up 1,400 yards and 14 TDs, and Jones does have somewhat of an ego or chip. I wouldn't be shocked if he tells the Jets to go screw and does look elsewhere - and as much as I hate to say it, I'm not sure that wouldn't be the best thing for the Jets next season. They have Greene, Washington (who is ahead of schedule by all accounts) and depth backs like Woodhead and Chauncey Washington - they could always sign a cheap FA or an undrafted college free agent as well.I agree that Jones isn't tgoig to see any big payday on the market, but he likely can get a one year $2M type offer somewhere.

 

[humphrp]

If they believe the line is responsible for TJ's career years, I could easily see them dumping TJ if he doesn't agree to a pay cut and signing someone like LT or Westie. Either of those two would love to play for the a contender with a strong offensive line. If I were TJ I would take a paycut, smile, and be glad you are still running behind that Offensive Line.

 

[RockHard]

Waiting for all the "He signed a contract, he should honor it people to show up"

 

[SmoovySmoov]

He signed a contract, he should honor it people to show up

 

[hxperson]

Waiting for all the "He signed a contract, he should honor it people to show up"

He is honoring his contract. The Jets are trying to take some of that away.

 

[Jason Wood]

To my mind the Jets asking Thomas Jones to take a pay cut is MUCH different than the Chargers (LT) or Eagles (Westbrook) decided to part ways with their backs. Jones is still highly productive, and what they owe him, in today's cap parlance, is hardly an unfair wage. I could see TJ calling their bluff, it's not like he's due $7mm-$8mm in bonuses or anything. I would think a run first team like the Jets would appreciate the value of two productive backs.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

With Westbrook, LT, FWP?, Chester Taylor? it may be not be a good market for Thomas Jones to try and go sign elsewhere.

 

[thehornet]

To my mind the Jets asking Thomas Jones to take a pay cut is MUCH different than the Chargers (LT) or Eagles (Westbrook) decided to part ways with their backs. Jones is still highly productive, and what they owe him, in today's cap parlance, is hardly an unfair wage. I could see TJ calling their bluff, it's not like he's due $7mm-$8mm in bonuses or anything. I would think a run first team like the Jets would appreciate the value of two productive backs.

I agree with your points. Though, even if TJ is gone, they will still have TWO productive backs to appreciate.

 

[TS Garp]

To my mind the Jets asking Thomas Jones to take a pay cut is MUCH different than the Chargers (LT) or Eagles (Westbrook) decided to part ways with their backs. Jones is still highly productive, and what they owe him, in today's cap parlance, is hardly an unfair wage. I could see TJ calling their bluff, it's not like he's due $7mm-$8mm in bonuses or anything. I would think a run first team like the Jets would appreciate the value of two productive backs.

I agree with your points. Though, even if TJ is gone, they will still have TWO productive backs to appreciate.

Agree, and they can sign someone like Larry Johnson for insurance.

 

[Jason Wood]

To my mind the Jets asking Thomas Jones to take a pay cut is MUCH different than the Chargers (LT) or Eagles (Westbrook) decided to part ways with their backs. Jones is still highly productive, and what they owe him, in today's cap parlance, is hardly an unfair wage. I could see TJ calling their bluff, it's not like he's due $7mm-$8mm in bonuses or anything. I would think a run first team like the Jets would appreciate the value of two productive backs.

I agree with your points. Though, even if TJ is gone, they will still have TWO productive backs to appreciate.

You talking about Leon Washington? I'm not sure, given his injury, and the style of the Jets offense, I would agree. If Greene got hurt, Washington couldn't do everything they need on offense. Jones can, and does.

 

[thehornet]

To my mind the Jets asking Thomas Jones to take a pay cut is MUCH different than the Chargers (LT) or Eagles (Westbrook) decided to part ways with their backs. Jones is still highly productive, and what they owe him, in today's cap parlance, is hardly an unfair wage. I could see TJ calling their bluff, it's not like he's due $7mm-$8mm in bonuses or anything. I would think a run first team like the Jets would appreciate the value of two productive backs.

I agree with your points. Though, even if TJ is gone, they will still have TWO productive backs to appreciate.

You talking about Leon Washington? I'm not sure, given his injury, and the style of the Jets offense, I would agree. If Greene got hurt, Washington couldn't do everything they need on offense. Jones can, and does.

Washington wont be the power replacement. Greene will. Washington will continue in his role of flash and quickness, likely 10-13 touches per game. And before we talk about the injury, yes, i understand what a compound fracture is. However, if it is set and heals correctly, it will not hamper him at all.

 

[Jason Wood]

To my mind the Jets asking Thomas Jones to take a pay cut is MUCH different than the Chargers (LT) or Eagles (Westbrook) decided to part ways with their backs. Jones is still highly productive, and what they owe him, in today's cap parlance, is hardly an unfair wage. I could see TJ calling their bluff, it's not like he's due $7mm-$8mm in bonuses or anything. I would think a run first team like the Jets would appreciate the value of two productive backs.

I agree with your points. Though, even if TJ is gone, they will still have TWO productive backs to appreciate.

You talking about Leon Washington? I'm not sure, given his injury, and the style of the Jets offense, I would agree. If Greene got hurt, Washington couldn't do everything they need on offense. Jones can, and does.

Washington wont be the power replacement. Greene will. Washington will continue in his role of flash and quickness, likely 10-13 touches per game. And before we talk about the injury, yes, i understand what a compound fracture is. However, if it is set and heals correctly, it will not hamper him at all.

What I'm saying is that Washington is more of a complementary option to Greene/Jones. When I said a team like NY needs two capable backs, I'm talking about two guys capable of 20+ carries between the tackles.

 

[rzrback77]

With Westbrook, LT, FWP?, Chester Taylor? it may be not be a good market for Thomas Jones to try and go sign elsewhere.

Thomas Jones has been very effective for the Jets, but it is good business on their part to attempt to save some $ and they have Shonn Green already in place and several options that could be signed on the cheap and be nearly as good as Jones.Kind of a bummer for Jones, but thems the breaks.

 

[RockHard]

Waiting for all the "He signed a contract, he should honor it people to show up"

He is honoring his contract. The Jets are trying to take some of that away.

I am taking issue with those people who vilify a player if he asks to renegotiate an existing contract, yet raise no objection when an organization threatens to cut a player if he doesn't take a pay cut.

 

[gianmarco]

With Westbrook, LT, FWP?, Chester Taylor? it may be not be a good market for Thomas Jones to try and go sign elsewhere.

Aside from name, which RB's services would you be interested in given the following stats from 2009:223/730/12 3.3 ypc61/274/1 4.5 ypc94/338/1 3.6 ypc98/389/0 4.0 ypc331/1402/14 4.2 ypcSorry, but I think LT and Westy and Chester and Willie stand to lose a lot more if T. Jones hits the market than vice versa. Teams looking for one of these RB's services are going to base that decision pretty heavily on CURRENT talent/production not on what they used to be. Considering he not only just put up 331/1402/14 this year, he also had 290/1312/13 the year before and has rushed for 1100 yds for the past 5 years in a row. Age will catch up with T. Jones very soon, most likely, but it's already caught up to Westy and LT. Chester and Parker not far behind.

 

[Jason Wood]

I agree. Thomas Jones should, and would, be a far more attractive commodity to most teams than LT, FWP, B-West, Taylor or LJ at this juncture.

 

[Nate]

You can come to Houston, TJ. Rick will pay you

 

[Nate]

Duh ! That's a given. I expect he will. TJ isn't a fool, and he know's he's on the wrong side of 30. I doubt his ego will get in the way at this point in his career. But then again, he's had two good years in a row. Maybe he feels he can cash in on one more contract.

I seriously doubt that after rushing for 2700 yards and 26 TDs in the last two seasons, that TJ thinks he deserves a pay cut.

 

[thehornet]

To my mind the Jets asking Thomas Jones to take a pay cut is MUCH different than the Chargers (LT) or Eagles (Westbrook) decided to part ways with their backs. Jones is still highly productive, and what they owe him, in today's cap parlance, is hardly an unfair wage. I could see TJ calling their bluff, it's not like he's due $7mm-$8mm in bonuses or anything. I would think a run first team like the Jets would appreciate the value of two productive backs.

I agree with your points. Though, even if TJ is gone, they will still have TWO productive backs to appreciate.

You talking about Leon Washington? I'm not sure, given his injury, and the style of the Jets offense, I would agree. If Greene got hurt, Washington couldn't do everything they need on offense. Jones can, and does.

Washington wont be the power replacement. Greene will. Washington will continue in his role of flash and quickness, likely 10-13 touches per game. And before we talk about the injury, yes, i understand what a compound fracture is. However, if it is set and heals correctly, it will not hamper him at all.

What I'm saying is that Washington is more of a complementary option to Greene/Jones. When I said a team like NY needs two capable backs, I'm talking about two guys capable of 20+ carries between the tackles.

Of course it is more desirable to have 2 guys that can handle 20+ carries per game in a power based offense, but even in this day of dual back approaches it is more of a luxury than the norm. Most teams who employ committe approaches dont have 2 ABSOLUTE workhorses. They have one that is more of a power/grinder guy and one that can do a little bit in the flats but also move the chains. Yes, most teams employ the committee approach, but most dont have two extremely talented power options and i dont see why the jets NEED TJ outside of the fact that he really has earned that bonus. I can only really think of the jets and the panthers as teams that have two backs that can go 20+ every game. Also, can you tell me the teams in this league that have 2 very good power backs (greene and jones) and another guy as versatile as Leon Washington (as a 3RD!! dare i say compliment...because we all know he is more than your run of the mill compliment back) and truthfully admit this this is needed and not a luxury? It simply isn't feasible for most teams once these types of players get to the stage where they are needing new contracts.eta: greene does have a history of bang-ups, but i think the playoffs showed he is 20 carry guy, even if his legs were fresh.

 

[tbglog]

Why do I see him on a plane to Boston 15 minutes after they release him? He wont get 5M a year, but the Patriots are the well of youth for aging RB's and he has the numbers, skills, and is the type of guy that will hold a grudge for 2 division games. He makes perfect sense for the Pats.

 

[Sweet Love]

I agree. Thomas Jones should, and would, be a far more attractive commodity to most teams than LT, FWP, B-West, Taylor or LJ at this juncture.

It will be interesting to see how it plays out in regards to Jones' production next year. While his in-season numbers were reminicient of Curtis Martin's last great year, Jones looked a step slow in the playoffs. You could argue that comparing him to a fresh and young Greene is unfair, but all things equal (which they never are), my guess is that if he took the starter's role for the Jets and in '10 and relegated Greene to the bench (like he was for most of 2009...again just a hypothesis), that he would struggle to gain 1k yards.I really appreciate his service to the team and he was a much better than expected bridge between Martin and Greene, but I would rather have Taylor at the same price and FWP at a price lower than Jones.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Of course it is more desirable to have 2 guys that can handle 20+ carries per game in a power based offense, but even in this day of dual back approaches it is more of a luxury than the norm. Most teams who employ committe approaches dont have 2 ABSOLUTE workhorses. They have one that is more of a power/grinder guy and one that can do a little bit in the flats but also move the chains. Yes, most teams employ the committee approach, but most dont have two extremely talented power options and i dont see why the jets NEED TJ outside of the fact that he really has earned that bonus. I can only really think of the jets and the panthers as teams that have two backs that can go 20+ every game.

Also, can you tell me the teams in this league that have 2 very good power backs (greene and jones) and another guy as versatile as Leon Washington (as a 3RD!! dare i say compliment...because we all know he is more than your run of the mill compliment back) and truthfully admit this this is needed and not a luxury? It simply isn't feasible for most teams once these types of players get to the stage where they are needing new contracts.

eta: greene does have a history of bang-ups, but i think the playoffs showed he is 20 carry guy, even if his legs were fresh.

The average NFL team rushed 440 times last year. The Panthers rushed 525 times, second most in the league. The Jets ran 07 times last season. So the Jets need for multiple handle the rock guys is much greater than that of other teams.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

The Jets should just pay Jones. They absolutely need two between the tackles runners, and having Greene fresh for the playoffs this year was crucial. Those of you that loved Greene's playoff performance need to remember that you won't see the same back next January if he has to run the ball 250-300 times during the season. The running game has to be strong in the playoffs for the Jets to make the next step, and chintzing out on paying Jones seems to be the exact way to undermine the assurance of continued running game dominance.

 

[werdnoynek]

if jones goes they dont need anyone else to backup greene/washington... they have danny woodhead

 

[thehornet]

Of course it is more desirable to have 2 guys that can handle 20+ carries per game in a power based offense, but even in this day of dual back approaches it is more of a luxury than the norm. Most teams who employ committe approaches dont have 2 ABSOLUTE workhorses. They have one that is more of a power/grinder guy and one that can do a little bit in the flats but also move the chains. Yes, most teams employ the committee approach, but most dont have two extremely talented power options and i dont see why the jets NEED TJ outside of the fact that he really has earned that bonus. I can only really think of the jets and the panthers as teams that have two backs that can go 20+ every game.

Also, can you tell me the teams in this league that have 2 very good power backs (greene and jones) and another guy as versatile as Leon Washington (as a 3RD!! dare i say compliment...because we all know he is more than your run of the mill compliment back) and truthfully admit this this is needed and not a luxury? It simply isn't feasible for most teams once these types of players get to the stage where they are needing new contracts.

eta: greene does have a history of bang-ups, but i think the playoffs showed he is 20 carry guy, even if his legs were fresh.

The average NFL team rushed 440 times last year. The Panthers rushed 525 times, second most in the league. The Jets ran 07 times last season. So the Jets need for multiple handle the rock guys is much greater than that of other teams.

which is to say nothing of the fact that they had a rookie qb with a dummed down playbook. aside from a few really nice games, sanchex looked lost. Sure they are a power offense and they need fresh legs, but you cant convince me that a setup of jones/greene/washington as your core isn't a luxury. also of note- over 70 of those rushing attempts came from qb or wr play. a much higher percentage than other teams. this clearly wasnt factored in. not since 2004 when PITT went to the tune of 618 has a team eclipsed over 600 rushing attempts and i dont even know when it occured before that. point is, i dont expect a repeat and neither should you. NEVER has a a team gone over 600 rushing attempts back to back seasons in the last 25 years. just something to consider when using last years stats to gauge future rushing attempts. lastly, sanchez will get more room to throw as he matures which will bring those attempts down organically.

 

[Ghost Rider]

The Jets should just pay Jones.

Should they? Jones is approaching the age where RBs start to break down, so why shell out big bucks for a RB that could fall off the map at any time? With their offensive line, it is not like they need an elite back to have a productive running game. Sure, Jones was great the last few seasons, but recent cases like Tomlinson and S. Alexander show how quickly RBs can go from great to old.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

The Jets should just pay Jones.

Should they? Jones is approaching the age where RBs start to break down, so why shell out big bucks for a RB that could fall off the map at any time? With their offensive line, it is not like they need an elite back to have a productive running game. Sure, Jones was great the last few seasons, but recent cases like Tomlinson and S. Alexander show how quickly RBs can go from great to old.

No cap this year, Jets are in the biggest market in the league, I think they can afford to pay Jones for just this year to make an honest title run. The only FA back that would be comparable is Chester Taylor, and I think he'll cost more than Jones. Remember, on the play to clinch the Chargers game, they trusted Jones, not Greene.

 

[Chase Stuart]

The Jets should just pay Jones.

Should they? Jones is approaching the age where RBs start to break down, so why shell out big bucks for a RB that could fall off the map at any time? With their offensive line, it is not like they need an elite back to have a productive running game. Sure, Jones was great the last few seasons, but recent cases like Tomlinson and S. Alexander show how quickly RBs can go from great to old.

No cap this year, Jets are in the biggest market in the league, I think they can afford to pay Jones for just this year to make an honest title run. The only FA back that would be comparable is Chester Taylor, and I think he'll cost more than Jones. Remember, on the play to clinch the Chargers game, they trusted Jones, not Greene.

With no cap, it just doesn't make sense not to pay him.

 

[thehornet]

The Jets should just pay Jones.

Should they? Jones is approaching the age where RBs start to break down, so why shell out big bucks for a RB that could fall off the map at any time? With their offensive line, it is not like they need an elite back to have a productive running game. Sure, Jones was great the last few seasons, but recent cases like Tomlinson and S. Alexander show how quickly RBs can go from great to old.

No cap this year, Jets are in the biggest market in the league, I think they can afford to pay Jones for just this year to make an honest title run. The only FA back that would be comparable is Chester Taylor, and I think he'll cost more than Jones. Remember, on the play to clinch the Chargers game, they trusted Jones, not Greene.

you can frame it how you want, but we were all watching that game and i am certain the jets wouldve felt fine going with their workhorse (greene) in that situation as well.

 

[thehornet]

The Jets should just pay Jones.

Should they? Jones is approaching the age where RBs start to break down, so why shell out big bucks for a RB that could fall off the map at any time? With their offensive line, it is not like they need an elite back to have a productive running game. Sure, Jones was great the last few seasons, but recent cases like Tomlinson and S. Alexander show how quickly RBs can go from great to old.

No cap this year, Jets are in the biggest market in the league, I think they can afford to pay Jones for just this year to make an honest title run. The only FA back that would be comparable is Chester Taylor, and I think he'll cost more than Jones. Remember, on the play to clinch the Chargers game, they trusted Jones, not Greene.

With no cap, it just doesn't make sense not to pay him.

at the end of the day, i do agree that he should be paid. He earned it.

 

[Sweet Love]

The Jets should just pay Jones.

Should they? Jones is approaching the age where RBs start to break down, so why shell out big bucks for a RB that could fall off the map at any time? With their offensive line, it is not like they need an elite back to have a productive running game. Sure, Jones was great the last few seasons, but recent cases like Tomlinson and S. Alexander show how quickly RBs can go from great to old.

No cap this year, Jets are in the biggest market in the league, I think they can afford to pay Jones for just this year to make an honest title run. The only FA back that would be comparable is Chester Taylor, and I think he'll cost more than Jones. Remember, on the play to clinch the Chargers game, they trusted Jones, not Greene.

you can frame it how you want, but we were all watching that game and i am certain the jets wouldve felt fine going with their workhorse (greene) in that situation as well.

Exactly. I like the guy and he helped the franchise a lot, but there is no "hometown discount" for a guy who has played for four teams over his 10 year career. While "at the time" he was the better option than Greene, with an entire offseason coming into 2010, I am guessing that will not be the case. He is 700+ yards of being a 10k yard rusher for his career and may go down as one of the most obscure 10k yards rushers in history (i.e. never carved an identity for himself). All of that aside, who would think that a 31 year old (32 when next season starts) who has 1000 touches over the past three seasons is going to be set up to succeed is beyond me. The Jets are not going to give a new contract to a mercenary who is 32, when they could actually get as much or more value from another mercenary or low round pick for much less money. I realize there is no cap, but put a few more million into finding a better CB...

 

[Horsec]

which is to say nothing of the fact that they had a rookie qb with a dummed down playbook. aside from a few really nice games, sanchex looked lost. Sure they are a power offense and they need fresh legs, but you cant convince me that a setup of jones/greene/washington as your core isn't a luxury.

lol, that irony was not lost on me...

It is a luxury to have all 3, but this is also the strength of this team. Leon is a bit of an unknown now, and I personally, am still afraid Shonn is the type of runner who may miss a game here or there.

 

[thehornet]

which is to say nothing of the fact that they had a rookie qb with a dummed down playbook. aside from a few really nice games, sanchex looked lost. Sure they are a power offense and they need fresh legs, but you cant convince me that a setup of jones/greene/washington as your core isn't a luxury.

lol, that irony was not lost on me...

It is a luxury to have all 3, but this is also the strength of this team. Leon is a bit of an unknown now, and I personally, am still afraid Shonn is the type of runner who may miss a game here or there.

hahaha, oops. i am dumbed

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

im not saying they should give Jones a new contract, just pay him the money he is due on the last year of his current contract, don't ask him to take a paycut

 

[Chase Stuart]

The Jets should just pay Jones.

Should they? Jones is approaching the age where RBs start to break down, so why shell out big bucks for a RB that could fall off the map at any time? With their offensive line, it is not like they need an elite back to have a productive running game. Sure, Jones was great the last few seasons, but recent cases like Tomlinson and S. Alexander show how quickly RBs can go from great to old.

No cap this year, Jets are in the biggest market in the league, I think they can afford to pay Jones for just this year to make an honest title run. The only FA back that would be comparable is Chester Taylor, and I think he'll cost more than Jones. Remember, on the play to clinch the Chargers game, they trusted Jones, not Greene.

you can frame it how you want, but we were all watching that game and i am certain the jets wouldve felt fine going with their workhorse (greene) in that situation as well.

Exactly. I like the guy and he helped the franchise a lot, but there is no "hometown discount" for a guy who has played for four teams over his 10 year career. While "at the time" he was the better option than Greene, with an entire offseason coming into 2010, I am guessing that will not be the case. He is 700+ yards of being a 10k yard rusher for his career and may go down as one of the most obscure 10k yards rushers in history (i.e. never carved an identity for himself). All of that aside, who would think that a 31 year old (32 when next season starts) who has 1000 touches over the past three seasons is going to be set up to succeed is beyond me. The Jets are not going to give a new contract to a mercenary who is 32, when they could actually get as much or more value from another mercenary or low round pick for much less money. I realize there is no cap, but put a few more million into finding a better QB...

You want to get rid of Sanchez now?

 

[Da Guru]

Waiting for all the "He signed a contract, he should honor it people to show up"

He is honoring his contract. The Jets are trying to take some of that away.

I am taking issue with those people who vilify a player if he asks to renegotiate an existing contract, yet raise no objection when an organization threatens to cut a player if he doesn't take a pay cut.

The teams have to do this because of all the guys who want to re-do the deals after 2-3 years. It is a never ending cycle.TJ himself was a high draft pick who did not do squat his first contract. Now he has earned his money the last few years.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

The only FA back that would be comparable is Chester Taylor, and I think he'll cost more than Jones.

I agree that Taylor is comparable in price (having just made $3m) but Jones is a much better player. I'm surprised at the amount of hype Taylor is getting as an FA.

 

[nicole320]

p90x workout schedule offers a challenge and an experience that I think anyone who is interested in fitness would appreciate. Remember to keep track of your progress. The results are what will keep you going on the days when you think you might puke. Don’t feel bad if you can’t keep up the first or second week.

 

[Sweet Love]

Whoops...meant to use the money to find a better CB, not QB.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Whoops...meant to use the money to find a better CB, not QB.

I don't think paying Jones good money will prevent the Jets from getting a better CB. But the season could implode if Washington and/or Greene get hurt next season if there's no other competent back on the roster. Sanchez will be able to shoulder a higher percentage of the plays, sure, but there's no way the Jets offense can maintain its identity with one good running back. That's exactly what you saw in the AFCCG, where without Jones the Jets couldn't function on offense. You can't call 10 rushing plays on a drive if you only have one good RB. Ideally, the Jets offense would be great if they could give:Jones 200 carriesWashington 150 carriesGreene 150 carriesThat sort of balance would be fantastic, and would have all three fresh for the playoffs. Jones would lead the team in rushing yards, Washington in yards from scrimmage and Greene in rushing touchdowns.

 

[xenith]

TJ was billed out of UV as a slow starter, and did just that. So much so he was dumped from his only true feature gig he's had his whole career. Sadly ironic that he has produced well when given the ball since Zona, but has kept searching for his feature gig ever since, and never had it.

Tampa was a true time share, but he did well when he actually got significant carries. They wouldn't give him the opportunity he wanted, so he signed on with Chicago. He performed pretty well as lead back over ATrain for a year, only to have them draft Cedric Benson just when you'd have thought he was gonna get his chance, and after 2 years refused to acknowledge TJ was clearly the better RB. So they give him up to give Benson the true feature gig (ya how'd that work out Chicago?), so it was on to JETS, where he's really turned it on, only to be pushed aside for yet another young RB. Really sucks, but the Jets are movin on.

Late blooomers may be fine at QB, but not so much for RBs. I like TJ a lot, he's taken a hard road to earn that 10K if he gets it, but this is just life as an NFL RB.

Hey TJ, maybe you can come over and help out Jamaal this year, maybe next too!

 

[ookook]

I am with Bloom on this one: just leave his contract as is. He is a bargain and they are poised to do well.

Greene (who I own in several leagues and would love it if TJ walked) could use another year to develop. Jones is a deal at that price and knows the offense very well.

Now, if he does hit the market, and a team were looking for a complementary back, I might take Chester at a discounted price over the 4 million Jones will want.

 

[kOOk]

The Jets should just pay Jones.

Should they? Jones is approaching the age where RBs start to break down, so why shell out big bucks for a RB that could fall off the map at any time? With their offensive line, it is not like they need an elite back to have a productive running game. Sure, Jones was great the last few seasons, but recent cases like Tomlinson and S. Alexander show how quickly RBs can go from great to old.

No cap this year, Jets are in the biggest market in the league, I think they can afford to pay Jones for just this year to make an honest title run. The only FA back that would be comparable is Chester Taylor, and I think he'll cost more than Jones. Remember, on the play to clinch the Chargers game, they trusted Jones, not Greene.

With no cap, it just doesn't make sense not to pay him.

at the end of the day, i do agree that he should be paid. He earned it.