MJD Signs Four-Year Extension (1 Viewer)

[RC94]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4070094

Source: Deal worth $8.2M per

By John Clayton

Maurice Jones-Drew agreed Wednesday to a four-year extension that will make him one of the three highest paid running backs in football.

According to a source, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Jones-Drew have agreed on a deal worth more than $8.2 million a year.

The four-year extension, which according to a source will pay him more than $32 million, will be announced at a news conference Wednesday afternoon in Jacksonville.

The contract is believed to top the six-year, $49.1 million deal signed by Clinton Portis of the Redskins in 2006. Steven Jackson of the Rams is the highest paid running back. He signed a five-year, 48.5 million deal last season. Larry Johnson of the Chiefs is next. He has five-year, $43.14 million contract.

Jones-Drew was entering the final year of his contract and was scheduled to make $535,000.

With the release of Fred Taylor, Jones-Drew, who averaged 4.8 yards a carry during his career, becomes the team's feature back. He had 941 yards as a rookie and last season gained 824 yards on 197 carries and rushed for 12 touchdowns.

Jones-Drew has 34 touchdowns during his three-year career.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

 

[Desert_Power]

Big commitment from Jax here. Good news for MJD's FF prospects.

 

[geoff8695]

Maurice Jones-Drew agreed Wednesday to a four-year extension that will make him one of the three highest paid running backs in football.

Wonder if anyone (Tanner9919, Switz, etc.) still consider MJD to be a backup RB or part of a RBBC with limited upside now?

 

[Silver & Black]

Great news. MJD is primed for a very good season. This is key since so many teams have rbbc and job sharing at rb these days. I'm sure someone will spell him from time to time, but I think he is now set to receive the lion's share of carrier for jax. Great news.

 

[CentralPA]

Great news, no hold out worries now

 

[Matt Waldman]

MJD = Brian Westbrook with power. I like it and was hoping they'd see the light. He should have a 2-3 year run of very strong production if he can stay healthy.

 

[BLOX]

Hmmm...looking at the JAX schedule is getting me thinking a bit.

 

[switz]

Maurice Jones-Drew agreed Wednesday to a four-year extension that will make him one of the three highest paid running backs in football.

Wonder if anyone (Tanner9919, Switz, etc.) still consider MJD to be a backup RB or part of a RBBC with limited upside now?

Not since they got rid of Taylor have I thought that.Imagine circumstances having an effect on someone's view of a player

 

[BoulderBob]

Very good news, surprised this thread isn't getting more love. As long as they give Garrard a receiving weapon(Crabtree/Maclin/Bey), MJD's next four years should be fruitful for his owners. It's his show now, buy low while it's possible!

 

[Football Jones]

This is great news for those of us who stuck it out during his RBBC days. Not that he didn't produce as a part-timer (he certainly did), but I expect him to be an absolute monster now. Sure, his points-per-touch will likely go down. However, that will be more than offset by getting 20+ touches per game on a weekly basis. MJD could easily finish as RB1 in both standard & PPR leagues. In fact, I suspect he'll do just that.

 

[travdogg]

MJD = Brian Westbrook with power. I like it and was hoping they'd see the light. He should have a 2-3 year run of very strong production if he can stay healthy.

Tiki Barber?

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Just the return of a healthy line would be a big boost. Letting Taylor go was another. This contract shows the commitments and expectations the Jaguars have for him to be a true feature back. He has speed, he can catch and he's good at the goal line. His complementary back (whoever it will be) isn't likely to be a significant threat for carries. Even the weather is usually nice in Jax.

I almost feel like this parade needs a little rain. When everything looks this good I'm usually forgetting something. The extension is great news, so is anything (in April) making you wary of this guy as a #2 overall pick in a redraft? A lack of receiving threats? Garrard's ability to scramble? Anything?

 

[Matt Waldman]

MJD = Brian Westbrook with power. I like it and was hoping they'd see the light. He should have a 2-3 year run of very strong production if he can stay healthy.

Tiki Barber?

Joe Morris with much better receiving skills.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Very good news, surprised this thread isn't getting more love. As long as they give Garrard a receiving weapon(Crabtree/Maclin/Bey), MJD's next four years should be fruitful for his owners. It's his show now, buy low while it's possible!

I agree, and I'm on board with MJD BLOWING UP over the next couple/few years. But...I think Jax DOES draft a RB in a week and a half, and you may get a little discount immediately after the draft. That's my target date to try to acquire him.

 

[Jerry Lawler]

Very good news, surprised this thread isn't getting more love. As long as they give Garrard a receiving weapon(Crabtree/Maclin/Bey), MJD's next four years should be fruitful for his owners. It's his show now, buy low while it's possible!

I agree, and I'm on board with MJD BLOWING UP over the next couple/few years. But...I think Jax DOES draft a RB in a week and a half, and you may get a little discount immediately after the draft. That's my target date to try to acquire him.

I know I'll be rooting for Jacksonville to take a RB in the 2nd round in outside hopes that it will spook a few MJD owners.

 

[two_dollars]

I don't know.. now he just got paid. I might expect him to become a little more relaxed, maybe not as hungry.

(disclaimer- I don't play in any dynasty or keeper.. only redrafts, so I have no bias either way with MJD)

 

[BigJim®]

 

[Warpig]

I just aqcuired him in a 16 team dynasty for Laurence Maroney, Plaxico Burress, and Harry Douglas (we also flip flopped 1st round picks).

He's the little engine that could. BUT, they have ZERO WR's for defenses to respect. Therefore, he will see 9 in the box all day. I predict his touches will go up, but his numbers won't be as good unless they pick up a proven veteran WR.

 

[Couch Potato]

I just aqcuired him in a 16 team dynasty for Laurence Maroney, Plaxico Burress, and Harry Douglas (we also flip flopped 1st round picks). He's the little engine that could. BUT, they have ZERO WR's for defenses to respect. Therefore, he will see 9 in the box all day. I predict his touches will go up, but his numbers won't be as good unless they pick up a proven veteran WR.

You got a top-3 dynasty RB for that pile? WHA?????

 

[Mikey16x]

I'm in a heavy PPR league with my friends... you laugh but as of right now my draft is 1. MJD 2. Peterson

 

[Dave Larkin]

The Jaguars had to get this deal done, and in truth it was only a matter of time. I don't know about you guys, but I have MJD ranked very high for this year. Nice to see such a hard working player get his due.

 

[Mainevent]

Two years ago in our inaugural PPR dynasty draft I selected MJD at 7th overall. I was told I reached and I agree, but he's solid if anything in the past two years, and I expect him to explode this year. Team him up with Portis/DWill/Slaton... I got a nice group of RBs

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I just aqcuired him in a 16 team dynasty for Laurence Maroney, Plaxico Burress, and Harry Douglas (we also flip flopped 1st round picks). He's the little engine that could. BUT, they have ZERO WR's for defenses to respect. Therefore, he will see 9 in the box all day. I predict his touches will go up, but his numbers won't be as good unless they pick up a proven veteran WR.

You got a top-3 dynasty RB for that pile? WHA?????

I can't imagine what the other guy was thinking. Who would trade MJD for three players that can very realistically never have any value at all, wouldn't you try and get more if you were moving MJD.As far as the topic goes. I see MJD being the man in Jax now and if another nback comes in (or if they use an in-house canidate, Jones, Washington) to take some carries it will be more to spell Jones-Drew and keep him fresh.Those pointing out the lack of WRs to keep defenses honest must not have been paying much attention over the last few years, because how has that really changed? Jax has always trotted out a collection of uninspriring under achieving WRs. Maybe Mike Walker finally steps up and I can see them adding a vet like Holt, Toomer or maybe even Harrison to help out.

 

[lyon812]

I just aqcuired him in a 16 team dynasty for Laurence Maroney, Plaxico Burress, and Harry Douglas (we also flip flopped 1st round picks). He's the little engine that could. BUT, they have ZERO WR's for defenses to respect. Therefore, he will see 9 in the box all day. I predict his touches will go up, but his numbers won't be as good unless they pick up a proven veteran WR.

You got a top-3 dynasty RB for that pile? WHA?????

Got him for JT O'Sullivan and Earnest Graham last year. No kidding. And I started with a better offer. It's the only trade I've ever felt ridiculously guilty about, but not enough to say "no". MJD was largely unproductive and inconsistent in the early stages of 2008. A number of owners soured on him because they thought he was being overrated. Instead, it was the JAC OL/WR that were largely to blame. That problem isn't going to go away. They need the second coming of Jimmy Smith. =p At #8 they could easily pick up a Maclin/Britt/Crabtree/Nicks/DHB. Pair him with a savvy veteran and they'll be ok this year, but I think the best years for MJD will be 2010 and beyond. Anyway, I bet a lot of people could still get him on the cheap, and if the Jags pick up a RB (which I'd think they almost certainly will, just for depth purposes) in the draft it'll be a prime time to play up the "Looks like he's back in a committee" theory.

 

[TheFanatic]

Maurice Jones-Drew agreed Wednesday to a four-year extension that will make him one of the three highest paid running backs in football.

Wonder if anyone (Tanner9919, Switz, etc.) still consider MJD to be a backup RB or part of a RBBC with limited upside now?

Sure they do. And they are right. How can you trust the opinion of people paid to evaluate talent in the NFL over someone on an anonymous message?

 

[TheFanatic]

:(

Maurice Jones-Drew agreed Wednesday to a four-year extension that will make him one of the three highest paid running backs in football.

Wonder if anyone (Tanner9919, Switz, etc.) still consider MJD to be a backup RB or part of a RBBC with limited upside now?

Not since they got rid of Taylor have I thought that.Imagine circumstances having an effect on someone's view of a player

Imagine someone using circumstances to backpedal?

 

[TitusIII]

Excellent news. Have to think this move signifies JAX's belief in MJD as a workhorse for the next few years. They do need to find a stud WR, but I believe the JAX FO is working on that as I type.

Not that anyone cares, but I was panned in my league for giving up Tomlinson for MJD/Hester/Housh/Scheffler in dynasty around week 4 of the 2008 season. Time will tell if that move was bad, but I'm feeling pretty good about it now, except for the Scheffler part, little worried, well terribly worried about his future now, although Orton loves his TE's!

 

[Mikey16x]

Excellent news. Have to think this move signifies JAX's belief in MJD as a workhorse for the next few years. They do need to find a stud WR, but I believe the JAX FO is working on that as I type.Not that anyone cares, but I was panned in my league for giving up Tomlinson for MJD/Hester/Housh/Scheffler in dynasty around week 4 of the 2008 season. Time will tell if that move was bad, but I'm feeling pretty good about it now, except for the Scheffler part, little worried, well terribly worried about his future now, although Orton loves his TE's!

Orton loved his TE's when they were the best pass catchers on the team, he's now throwing to Marshall/Royal/Stokley/Gaffney... I doubt his TE's will get the same type of love, especially since the fact that TE's really have no catching role in McDaniels offense scheme. If you can move Scheff for something decent I'd pull the trigger.

 

[TheFanatic]

Excellent news. Have to think this move signifies JAX's belief in MJD as a workhorse for the next few years. They do need to find a stud WR, but I believe the JAX FO is working on that as I type.Not that anyone cares, but I was panned in my league for giving up Tomlinson for MJD/Hester/Housh/Scheffler in dynasty around week 4 of the 2008 season. Time will tell if that move was bad, but I'm feeling pretty good about it now, except for the Scheffler part, little worried, well terribly worried about his future now, although Orton loves his TE's!

Orton loved his TE's when they were the best pass catchers on the team, he's now throwing to Marshall/Royal/Stokley/Gaffney... I doubt his TE's will get the same type of love, especially since the fact that TE's really have no catching role in McDaniels offense scheme. If you can move Scheff for something decent I'd pull the trigger.

You are assuming that Orton can get the ball to those guys...Particularly in his first season. Lots of times a guy in a new offense will use the TE as a crutch till he learns the O...

 

[Mikey16x]

Excellent news. Have to think this move signifies JAX's belief in MJD as a workhorse for the next few years. They do need to find a stud WR, but I believe the JAX FO is working on that as I type.Not that anyone cares, but I was panned in my league for giving up Tomlinson for MJD/Hester/Housh/Scheffler in dynasty around week 4 of the 2008 season. Time will tell if that move was bad, but I'm feeling pretty good about it now, except for the Scheffler part, little worried, well terribly worried about his future now, although Orton loves his TE's!

Orton loved his TE's when they were the best pass catchers on the team, he's now throwing to Marshall/Royal/Stokley/Gaffney... I doubt his TE's will get the same type of love, especially since the fact that TE's really have no catching role in McDaniels offense scheme. If you can move Scheff for something decent I'd pull the trigger.

You are assuming that Orton can get the ball to those guys...Particularly in his first season. Lots of times a guy in a new offense will use the TE as a crutch till he learns the O...

I suppose, but this Cutler trade was very rare. I've never really seen a team trade their franchise QB at the top of his game in an already potent offense. Usually when a QB goes to a team, he's a building block that isn't really surrounded with talent already. This is the opposite, your throwing a previously mediocre QB in with great receiving threats. I don't see him having a problem getting the ball to these guys. Especially if McDaniels uses his spread offense, which I am almost certain he will be, that TE is a necessary piece in pass protection.

 

[switz]

<_<

Maurice Jones-Drew agreed Wednesday to a four-year extension that will make him one of the three highest paid running backs in football.

Wonder if anyone (Tanner9919, Switz, etc.) still consider MJD to be a backup RB or part of a RBBC with limited upside now?

Not since they got rid of Taylor have I thought that.Imagine circumstances having an effect on someone's view of a player

Imagine someone using circumstances to backpedal?

Not backpedaling... I maintained as long as Taylor was there Taylor would be the starter. I never said MJD would never start, or that he'd always be RBBC. I maintain that MJD benefited from splitting with Taylor, but that's true about almost any RB in a committee that keeps them fresh.

The big question with MJD this season is the OL. If they improve their run blocking, like they were two years ago, he'll be a solid RB.

 

[bonesman]

Maurice Jones-Drew agreed Wednesday to a four-year extension that will make him one of the three highest paid running backs in football.

Wonder if anyone (Tanner9919, Switz, etc.) still consider MJD to be a backup RB or part of a RBBC with limited upside now?

Not since they got rid of Taylor have I thought that.

Imagine circumstances having an effect on someone's view of a player

Sooooooo.... you're admitting to being wrong about MJD then?

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

Maurice Jones-Drew agreed Wednesday to a four-year extension that will make him one of the three highest paid running backs in football.

Wonder if anyone (Tanner9919, Switz, etc.) still consider MJD to be a backup RB or part of a RBBC with limited upside now?

Not since they got rid of Taylor have I thought that.Imagine circumstances having an effect on someone's view of a player

Imagine someone using circumstances to backpedal?

Not backpedaling... I maintained as long as Taylor was there Taylor would be the starter. I never said MJD would never start, or that he'd always be RBBC. I maintain that MJD benefited from splitting with Taylor, but that's true about almost any RB in a committee that keeps them fresh.

The big question with MJD this season is the OL. If they improve their run blocking, like they were two years ago, he'll be a solid RB.

If they improve their run blocking? You mean, like, not getting injured this year?

 

[switz]

The big question with MJD this season is the OL. If they improve their run blocking, like they were two years ago, he'll be a solid RB.

If they improve their run blocking? You mean, like, not getting injured this year?

Yeah... injuries killed them last year. But the year before both Taylor and MJD were over 5 YPC IIRC, so if they are healthy he'll be solid.