According to several reports on Sunday morning the New York Jets are prepared to release running back Thomas Jones. Jones, who will turn 32 in August, is coming off of a season where he gained 1,402 yards with 14 touchdowns. Gang Green’s reasoning behind the move is said to be financial, as Thomas is scheduled to receive a $3 million dollar roster bonus in March, with a $2.8 million dollar salary for the season.
With this move the Jets will be handling over the starting running back job to second year player Shonn Greene. While Greene did show signs of being an explosive playmaker in the Jets offense, he also had some issues with fumbling the ball and battled injuries throughout the season. Lets also keep in mind that Greene struggled at times catching the ball out of the backfield. At this point Shonn’s backup will be Leon Washington, who is coming off of major surgery.
My stance: I think the Jets are completely fumbling the ball with this move and there are several reasons why.
1) Thomas Jones is an undisputed veteran leader on and off the field for the New York Jets. Jones’ work ethic is unmatched and he brings a tremendous amount of intensity on game day.
2) While Jones did show signs of wearing down last year, he is still a very effective running back that can move the chains and grind out yards. With the Jets “ground and pound” offense, Thomas serves the perfect complimentary role to Greene.
3) The Jets do not have a tremendous amount of depth at the running back position. While Greene had a great late season run, he also had some issues staying on the field. Leon Washington is coming off of major surgery and there no guarantees he can return to his explosive ways in 2010. After that the Jets have a question mark in Chauncey Washington.
4) The 2010 season is going to be an uncapped year, therefore the Jets will not be bound to strict financial parameters to follow. While every team looks to get the most cost effective deal with their players, they have plenty of wiggle room. Unless of course the Jets are starting to panic with their Personal Seat Licensing sales.
5) Due to restrictions from the Final Eight rule, the Jets will have their hands tied in free agency and have only 5 picks in the upcoming draft. Is there a better option than Thomas Jones available to Gang Green?
All in all I think the Jets are being penny wise and dollar foolish. An argument can be made that Jones was one of the most valuable players on offense last season, and the Jets are setting him free. This move is definitely going to ruffle some feathers in the locker room and put a tremendous amount of pressure on second year players Mark Sanchez and Shonn Greene to take ownership of the offense. And of course you just know in the back of your head TJ will end up playing in New England. I hope this is not a sign of more questionable moves to follow.
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Comments
The Jets have been funbling the ball ever since Tannenbaum has been GM. The single stupidest thing any GM has done in the last 10 years was getting rid of the greatest all time compeltetion percentage passer in NFL history -- Chad Pennington. Thats right. How many Jet fans know that? Pennington is the no.1 completion percentage passer all time. Kurt Warner is no. 2 and Peyton Manning no.3 So Pennington goes to Miami in 2008, lesds them to the division, finishes 2nd in the MVP voting and leads theleage in completion percentage again.
The best chance of the Jets to win a championship was blown when Pennington was the QB and Tannenbaum hired to the two worst coaches in the history of NY football -- Edwards and Mangingi. And Mark Sanchez will be lucky to be another Ken OBrien. He will never come close to be in Pennington's league. The Jets are done for the foreeseable future as a playoff team and as everyone knows they only backed into the play offs this year.
Hey Jest Fan, did you happen to notice the Jets playing in the AFC Championship game this year? How was Pennington working out for the Dolphins? He must have led them to the SuperBowl right? Haha, continue to show us how much of a moron you are- it’s funny as hell.
Anyway, hate the Jones move but I will say this- there are always 2 sides to every story. I am sure the Jets asked TJ to restructure or play the final year without an extension and he was unwilling to do it. That's my guess. Why pay him his bonus and then deal with a holdout which will cause more problems closer to the start of the season?
Jest Fan, the idiocy in your argument is unparalleled. So what if the Jets keep Chad. Maybe we make the playoffs that year, but let me hit you with some knowledge: CHAD INJURED HIS SHOULDER AGAIN! for the THIRD time in his career! Who cares if he is the No. 1 completion guy ever. By your logic, Emmitt Smith is the No. 1 rusher all time, so we should talk him out of retirement to play for us. It makes NO SENSE. And your going to tell me that Rich Cotite is a better coach that Herm or Mangini? Both of these guys made the playoffs, and last I checked didnt go 1-15. There not good, but not the worst. As for Tannenbaum, hes been pretty good as GM. He drafted D'Brickashaw, Mangold, Leon, Revis, Harris, Stucky, Sanchez, and Greene, as well as bring in Jenkins, Fanneca, Woody, Scott, Leonhard, and Richardson, so im not exactly sure what your complaining about. Give Sanchez time, and im sure your gonna have plently of affection for him when leads the Jets to a Super Bowl
Tyson, your article is basically irrelevant. You don't even give consideration to the Jets either signing another, younger, cheaper back to take Jones place, or the possibility that Jones cvould end up back on the team at a better price. Wouldn't you agree that Tannenbaum has done a very good to excellent job with personnel moves? Your article is basically saying you have no faith that Mr T can fill that hole, and I have to strongly disagree with you.
Pete, thanks for the feedback.. Thomas Jones is prideful player coming off of a career year, I think he is insulted right now by the Jets stance. Lets not forget he had the same issue last season but bit his tongue in hopes of getting a deal this year. As for signing younger cheaper backs, the Jets have their hands tied with final eight rule. In addition who exactly will be available that every other team will not be going for? And the Jets also have to find ways to address other needs like cornerback. Mike T has done a good job but he will show his real skills this March.
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