Leon Washington holdout coming? (1 Viewer)

[Bri]

The Jets now have two disgruntled running backs.

Pro Bowl kick returner Leon Washington, who doubles as a dynamic, game-breaking running back, skipped the start of Monday's organized team activities at Florham Park because he's unhappy with his contract, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. That person requested anonymity because he's not authorized to speak for the Jets or Washington.

Veteran running back Thomas Jones, who led the AFC in rushing with 1,312 yards and scored a career-high 13 rushing touchdowns last season, has boycotted the voluntary sessions all offseason.

The Jets have a mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 9-11, and it will be interesting to see if Washington and/or Jones attend. Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum has repeatedly said he expects Jones to attend.

Last month, the Jets drafted hard-charging rookie running back Shonn Greene as the heir apparent to Jones and feel he can step right in if Jones stages a bitter holdout. Both are physical, between-the-tackle runners.

But the Jets have no one on the roster to replace the electric, multi-dimensional Washington, who is a threat to score from anywhere on the field and in a variety of different ways. He can take it to the house as a kickoff and punt returner, running back and receiver.

Washington, a fourth-year pro, is in the final year of his rookie contract and is scheduled to earn a $535,000 base salary in 2009. He's believed to be seeking a long-term deal worth roughly $6 million per season.

Washington's agent, Alvin Keels, could not be reached for comment yesterday. It's unlikely Washington will play this season without a new contract.

http://www.footballhangout.com/news.html

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2009/05/n...g_back_leo.html

 

[Routilla]

Shonn Greene looking better by the minute.

 

[Reaper]

I'm pretty sure the word is that the Jets need to get the Sanchez contract done and then will sign Leon.... Leon is going to get his money...

Thomas Jones is another story... He has a pretty recent deal. He's just realizing that after his last season and with his age he wants whatever he can get now.

 

[Chase Stuart]

In May, I wouldn't worry about Jones or Washington potentially holding out.

 

[TLEF316]

Just kill me now. Seriously. All we need now is a Darrelle Revis holdout to complete the tri-fecta.

 

[Jason Wood]

Not that agents and players can't partake in double speak, but Leon was on WFAN [speaking with Joe Bemingo and Evan Roberts] about a week ago and they were slobbering all over themselves to tell Leon how good he is, and how he's the Jets only real weapon, and how it's his TIME TO GET PAID. And they would not stop.

Now, a lot of players might roll with that and laugh and say something akin to 'yeah...I think I've earned a raise' or 'yeah, gotta get that paper' but Leon didn't have any of it.

He was very polite, but at every turn he maturely and succinctly explained that he is happy with his role, thrilled at the opportunity he has and understands that the business side will take care of itself. He went so far as to say he would not hold out, good business or not, because he's under contract and that's just not how he feels comfortable doing business. He also said he was very confident that, when the time was right, the Jets would take care of him.

Again, I'm not saying something hasn't changed. Maybe his agent approached them for a contract extension since that interview and the Jets blew him off completely, so now he feels he has to play hard ball.

But he wasn't non-committal and the fact he was actually saying all of that IN SPITE of the radio hosts who were trying to get him hyped up, said a lot.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Not that agents and players can't partake in double speak, but Leon was on WFAN [speaking with Joe Bemingo and Evan Roberts] about a week ago and they were slobbering all over themselves to tell Leon how good he is, and how he's the Jets only real weapon, and how it's his TIME TO GET PAID. And they would not stop.Now, a lot of players might roll with that and laugh and say something akin to 'yeah...I think I've earned a raise' or 'yeah, gotta get that paper' but Leon didn't have any of it.He was very polite, but at every turn he maturely and succinctly explained that he is happy with his role, thrilled at the opportunity he has and understands that the business side will take care of itself. He went so far as to say he would not hold out, good business or not, because he's under contract and that's just not how he feels comfortable doing business. He also said he was very confident that, when the time was right, the Jets would take care of him.Again, I'm not saying something hasn't changed. Maybe his agent approached them for a contract extension since that interview and the Jets blew him off completely, so now he feels he has to play hard ball.But he wasn't non-committal and the fact he was actually saying all of that IN SPITE of the radio hosts who were trying to get him hyped up, said a lot.

According to the FAN this morning, Washington was offered a contract extension by the front office that was deemed to be "insulting" by his agent.I still don't think he'll end up holding out, but it could be one of those situations where they are looking fpor more money than his expected role would indicate he is worth.

 

[Jason Wood]

Not that agents and players can't partake in double speak, but Leon was on WFAN [speaking with Joe Bemingo and Evan Roberts] about a week ago and they were slobbering all over themselves to tell Leon how good he is, and how he's the Jets only real weapon, and how it's his TIME TO GET PAID. And they would not stop.Now, a lot of players might roll with that and laugh and say something akin to 'yeah...I think I've earned a raise' or 'yeah, gotta get that paper' but Leon didn't have any of it.He was very polite, but at every turn he maturely and succinctly explained that he is happy with his role, thrilled at the opportunity he has and understands that the business side will take care of itself. He went so far as to say he would not hold out, good business or not, because he's under contract and that's just not how he feels comfortable doing business. He also said he was very confident that, when the time was right, the Jets would take care of him.Again, I'm not saying something hasn't changed. Maybe his agent approached them for a contract extension since that interview and the Jets blew him off completely, so now he feels he has to play hard ball.But he wasn't non-committal and the fact he was actually saying all of that IN SPITE of the radio hosts who were trying to get him hyped up, said a lot.

According to the FAN this morning, Washington was offered a contract extension by the front office that was deemed to be "insulting" by his agent.I still don't think he'll end up holding out, but it could be one of those situations where they are looking fpor more money than his expected role would indicate he is worth.

Thanks for the update Doc Ock Like I said, things are fluid and something might have changed. But I also wouldn't be surprised if this is driven by the agent telling Leon that he knows what's in his best interests, and that Leon really wants to get into camp.As Chase said, this really shouldn't be a worry for fantasy owners. It's May, lots of players skip OTAs. Unless Leon is missing a big chunk of training camp, I would file this more into the "offseason noise" category than anything else.The Thomas Jones situation is a bit different IMHO. He's a more established veteran who has enjoyed a few big paydays already. Unless he's been stupid with his money, he has more financial cushion and resolve to hold out. Also, given his age he knows this is really his last chance at a big guaranteed payday. And he also realizes that Shon Greene is nipping at HIS heels moreso than Leon's.

 

[TheFanatic]

According to the FAN this morning, Washington was offered a contract extension by the front office that was deemed to be "insulting" by his agent.I still don't think he'll end up holding out, but it could be one of those situations where they are looking fpor more money than his expected role would indicate he is worth.

One would think that Darren Sproles contract is a good framework to start from. Seem to be in similar situations.

 

[Reaper]

According to the FAN this morning, Washington was offered a contract extension by the front office that was deemed to be "insulting" by his agent.

I still don't think he'll end up holding out, but it could be one of those situations where they are looking fpor more money than his expected role would indicate he is worth.

One would think that Darren Sproles contract is a good framework to start from. Seem to be in similar situations.

"I don't like comparisons, but I don't like myself being compared to Darren Sproles, I can tell you that," Washington said. The Jets hope to sign him to an extension, but Washington is after big money, saying he's "trying to revolutionize the game" like Gale Sayers did.

 

[TheFanatic]

According to the FAN this morning, Washington was offered a contract extension by the front office that was deemed to be "insulting" by his agent.

I still don't think he'll end up holding out, but it could be one of those situations where they are looking fpor more money than his expected role would indicate he is worth.

One would think that Darren Sproles contract is a good framework to start from. Seem to be in similar situations.

"I don't like comparisons, but I don't like myself being compared to Darren Sproles, I can tell you that," Washington said. The Jets hope to sign him to an extension, but Washington is after big money, saying he's "trying to revolutionize the game" like Gale Sayers did.

Seriously? He said that? I thought the Sproles comparison is pretty good. If they came to him with Sproles money and he found that "insulting" I gotta wonder about the guy. Maybe use that as a baseboard to get some more money but don't scoff at that and think the comparison is ridiculous. But then to compare himself to Gale Sayers?

 

[sheerterror]

Pay that man whatever he wants. End of discussion.

 

[SlevinKelevra]

Leon Washington is garbage

just cut him and go with TJ & Greene

 

[Dr. Octopus]

According to the FAN this morning, Washington was offered a contract extension by the front office that was deemed to be "insulting" by his agent.I still don't think he'll end up holding out, but it could be one of those situations where they are looking fpor more money than his expected role would indicate he is worth.

One would think that Darren Sproles contract is a good framework to start from. Seem to be in similar situations.

Has Sproles signed a contract or just the Franchise tender? - in the case of the later they would be overpaying as Washington can not be paid as a top 5 RB (though neither should Sproles).I think they will settle things up with Washington as the offseason moves on.As far as Thomas Jones goes its going to be a stalemat as the Jets would be foolish to offer him a new contract while TJ obviously sees this as he last shot to get a payday (and coming off a career year). The best case scenario may be to do what they did for Coles prior to last season when they had the same situation -guarantee the final two years of his contract but nothing more. Jones is set to make 900K this season and $2.5 MM next season. Perhaps they would be overpaying lsightly next season but its still reasonable and they could view it as using him up this year and moving him to a backup role next season with the contracts just reflecting the opposite years.

 

[Biabreakable]

As already stated they want to work out their deal with Sanchez 1st.

I think both of these guys are going to be singed or fufil their contracts. There is no way I see them entrusting the protection of their francise QB to a rookie.

I was reading some stuff about Washington possible having a bigger role and wanting bigger money. I think all of these things are hard to evaluate with the salary cap possibly being gone next year. It seems like teams might be more willing to overpay to keep their guys right now, perhaps with the thinking that there will be more money available later.

This is New York.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Not that agents and players can't partake in double speak, but Leon was on WFAN [speaking with Joe Bemingo and Evan Roberts] about a week ago and they were slobbering all over themselves to tell Leon how good he is, and how he's the Jets only real weapon, and how it's his TIME TO GET PAID. And they would not stop.Now, a lot of players might roll with that and laugh and say something akin to 'yeah...I think I've earned a raise' or 'yeah, gotta get that paper' but Leon didn't have any of it.He was very polite, but at every turn he maturely and succinctly explained that he is happy with his role, thrilled at the opportunity he has and understands that the business side will take care of itself. He went so far as to say he would not hold out, good business or not, because he's under contract and that's just not how he feels comfortable doing business. He also said he was very confident that, when the time was right, the Jets would take care of him.Again, I'm not saying something hasn't changed. Maybe his agent approached them for a contract extension since that interview and the Jets blew him off completely, so now he feels he has to play hard ball.But he wasn't non-committal and the fact he was actually saying all of that IN SPITE of the radio hosts who were trying to get him hyped up, said a lot.

Sheldon Brown last year came out publicly against Lito Sheppard's antics and demands for more money, and now he's doing the exact same thing. This is nothing new. I do think there is an air of desperation among some players to try to get a new contract before the new CBA, which may be less favorable to the players.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Leon Washington is garbagejust cut him and go with TJ & Greene

Have you actually watched any Jets games recently?

 

[mdog1967]

Leon Washington is garbagejust cut him and go with TJ & Greene

Have you actually watched any Jets games recently?

Yeah scratching my head by that as well? Washington is a pretty dynamic football player.

 

[stevegamer]

Is there any report that the Jones holdout is anything more than an older vet skipping non-mandatory spring stuff?

 

[Multiple Scores]

Is there any report that the Jones holdout is anything more than an older vet skipping non-mandatory spring stuff?

I seen where Thomas Jones pocketed 13 million dollars in contract money over the past 2 seasons, this year he will pocket under 1 million (I think 765,000) if memory serves correctly. My numbers could be *slightly* off so don't shoot me but they'll end up these numbers or very similiar.

 

[Bri]

According to the FAN this morning, Washington was offered a contract extension by the front office that was deemed to be "insulting" by his agent.

that was in the linked article, sorry if it was too brief

 

[Bri]

"I don't like comparisons, but I do like myself being compared to Darren Sproles, I can tell you that," Washington said. The Jets hope to sign him to an extension, but Washington is after big money, saying he's "trying to revolutionize the game" like Gale Sayers did.

you sure that wasn't the quote? (don't -->do)

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Is there any report that the Jones holdout is anything more than an older vet skipping non-mandatory spring stuff?

Tannenbaum keeps saying he fully expects Jones to report once the parctices become mandatory. Not sure if that's just wishful thinking or that Jones has told him that.Jones in reality doesn't have much leverage. The Jets could go with a Greene-Washington combo if need be and the teams did extend Jones for a couple of years after signing him. They'll surely make him pay back some of his signing bonus f he holds out and not many teams would sign him beyond age 32 for any significant money.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Jones in reality doesn't have much leverage. The Jets could go with a Greene-Washington combo if need be

They could, but that's a pretty serious downgrade for a team that can't afford to throw away wins if they want to make the playoffs.

 

[Reaper]

"I don't like comparisons, but I do like myself being compared to Darren Sproles, I can tell you that," Washington said. The Jets hope to sign him to an extension, but Washington is after big money, saying he's "trying to revolutionize the game" like Gale Sayers did.

you sure that wasn't the quote? (don't -->do)

He Does NOT want to be compared to Sproles. He thinks he's much closer to an all around back and should be compared to MJD if anyone.

 

[Bri]

"I don't like comparisons, but I do like myself being compared to Darren Sproles, I can tell you that," Washington said. The Jets hope to sign him to an extension, but Washington is after big money, saying he's "trying to revolutionize the game" like Gale Sayers did.

you sure that wasn't the quote? (don't -->do)

He Does NOT want to be compared to Sproles. He thinks he's much closer to an all around back and should be compared to MJD if anyone.

interesting, thanks

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Jones in reality doesn't have much leverage. The Jets could go with a Greene-Washington combo if need be

They could, but that's a pretty serious downgrade for a team that can't afford to throw away wins if they want to make the playoffs.

Do you really think it is that big of a downgrade if that was to happen? I think Leon has not been utilized enough in the offense as I believe the offense would benefit with him getting more touches. I think his touches have been limited on offense due to his great play as a returner. Thomas Jones has been very consistent and he has played well over the last couple of seasons, but I don't think it would be as serious a downgrade to the offense as you are predicting if it was a mix of Leon/Greene. If you are predicting the team would suffer more because of not having Leon play so much special teams then I see that as a good argument for downgrading the team. But not the offense.Also, I have not been following the Jets religously this off season, but did they not draft a returner to free up Leon to get more touches on offense?

 

[Chase Stuart]

Jones in reality doesn't have much leverage. The Jets could go with a Greene-Washington combo if need be

They could, but that's a pretty serious downgrade for a team that can't afford to throw away wins if they want to make the playoffs.

Do you really think it is that big of a downgrade if that was to happen? I think Leon has not been utilized enough in the offense as I believe the offense would benefit with him getting more touches. I think his touches have been limited on offense due to his great play as a returner. Thomas Jones has been very consistent and he has played well over the last couple of seasons, but I don't think it would be as serious a downgrade to the offense as you are predicting if it was a mix of Leon/Greene. If you are predicting the team would suffer more because of not having Leon play so much special teams then I see that as a good argument for downgrading the team. But not the offense.Also, I have not been following the Jets religously this off season, but did they not draft a returner to free up Leon to get more touches on offense?

Jim Leonhard, SS from Baltimore, is going to be taking the punt return duties. And yeah, Leon should be running more often.But the Jets are going to try to run the ball 500 times this year; they're a much better offense with Jones/Washington/Greene splitting 500 carries than Washington/Greene/???? splitting those carries.

 

[Reaper]

Jones in reality doesn't have much leverage. The Jets could go with a Greene-Washington combo if need be

They could, but that's a pretty serious downgrade for a team that can't afford to throw away wins if they want to make the playoffs.

Do you really think it is that big of a downgrade if that was to happen? I think Leon has not been utilized enough in the offense as I believe the offense would benefit with him getting more touches. I think his touches have been limited on offense due to his great play as a returner. Thomas Jones has been very consistent and he has played well over the last couple of seasons, but I don't think it would be as serious a downgrade to the offense as you are predicting if it was a mix of Leon/Greene. If you are predicting the team would suffer more because of not having Leon play so much special teams then I see that as a good argument for downgrading the team. But not the offense.Also, I have not been following the Jets religously this off season, but did they not draft a returner to free up Leon to get more touches on offense?

Watched a local "Jets Insider" show last night and they were talking about how Rex and the Jets want to emulate the Ravens and Giants run games where 3 RB's were used and were fresh - I also think some of it has to do with Depth / Injuries... If you have Greene / Leon and one goes down you could be in trouble....But, here's the BAL stats they flashed: Rush Yds TD Rec Yards TD20 LeRon McClain BAL 232 902 10 19 123 1 32 Willis McGahee BAL 170 671 7 24 173 055 Ray Rice BAL 107 454 0 33 273 0And the Giants:12 Brandon Jacobs NYG 219 1089 15 6 36 0 23 Derrick Ward NYG 182 1025 2 41 384 0 64 Ahmad Bradshaw NYG 67 355 1 5 42 1 52

 

[FavreCo]

Leon Washington is garbagejust cut him and go with TJ & Greene

Sounds like something I would write, except I own Washington and think he's pretty good.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Jones in reality doesn't have much leverage. The Jets could go with a Greene-Washington combo if need be

They could, but that's a pretty serious downgrade for a team that can't afford to throw away wins if they want to make the playoffs.

We don't really know that yet do we? Jones had a great season and is a hard runner and hard worker but I don't think he's an exceptional talent. Given the choice of course I would want him back, but what I'm saying is that they made preparations for his absence - albeit for 2010 not 2009.The main point though is that the Jets have more leverage than Jones. If he's truly holding out for a last payday - not only will he be foregoing his salary and bonus money in 2009, but is anyone going to sign him to big money at 32 after sitting out a season?

 

[Blackjacks]

I would like to see what Washington could do if he got more involved in the offense and got 12-15 touches a game.

A role similiar to Reggie Bush or something similiar would be nice to see

 

[cstu]

Like a lot of Americans, Leon struggles to make it financially.

 

[PrimUomo]

I think he is pretty much forcing the Jets hand if he holds out. He is primed to break out and I think he wants to get paid now and be a bigger part of the offense. Greene is obviously there to replace Jones. I don't see the Jets giving up Washington over Jones even though those three together could arguably be the best RBBC in the league if Greene plays how he is supposed to play.

 

[Traders2001]

He wants MJD money , he is not even close of bringing as much as MJD to the Jets .

He should get a little more then 3rd down back money , plus he is a decent returner .

But not as much as one of the best RB's in the league .

 

[Dr. Octopus]

One is back in the fold. I'd expect Washington to report as well.

Jets Pro Bowl RB Thomas Jones will rejoin his teammates next week after sitting out voluntary team activities while in a contract dispute, according to his agent. Drew Rosenhaus posted on Twitter that Jones, entering the third year of a four-year, $20 million deal, "will attend the Jets OTA next Wednesday." Rosenhaus didn't offer any further information whether an agreement on a restructured deal is in place, and the agent didn't immediately answer an e-mail from The Associated Press seeking comment. Jones is unhappy with his contract, which was front-loaded with $13.1 million over the first two seasons. He's scheduled to make only $900,000 in base salary this season. Jones, 30, has rushed for 1,000 or more yards in four straight seasons, including the last two with the Jets.