Football Thomas Jones will soon be available..

Deberg_1990 · 03-01-2010, 06:32 PM

Any takers??

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100301/...n_jets_jones_2

NEW YORK – The New York Jets will release running back Thomas Jones this week, allowing the leader of the NFL's top-ranked rushing offense to become a free agent.

General manager Mike Tannenbaum said Monday that the team told Jones it will cut ties with him when the league's free agency period begins Friday.

"Thomas joined us three years ago and has been a productive, passionate leader both on and off the field who has served as a positive influence for our younger players," Tannenbaum said in a statement. "We were fortunate to acquire Thomas and wish him the best."

Jones was due a $3 million roster bonus on top of a $2.8 million base salary this season. He and the Jets failed to reach a compromise on restructuring his contract; the team wanted him to take a pay cut.

Drew Rosenhaus, Jones' agent, didn't immediately respond to e-mails seeking comment.

Jones sat out voluntary activities last offseason while trying unsuccessfully to renegotiate his deal, which was front-loaded with $13.1 million over the first two seasons. He made only $900,000 in base salary last season, but didn't allow it to affect his play.

The 31-year-old is coming off a season in which he set career highs by rushing for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns while helping the Jets reach the AFC championship game against Indianapolis. He was also a popular presence in the locker room, twice being voted the team's most inspirational player by his teammates.

Jones had a career-high 331 carries in the regular season and appeared to wear down a bit down the stretch as rookie Shonn Greene got the majority of carries. Still, with the game on the line against San Diego and the Jets facing fourth-and-1 late, coach Rex Ryan put the ball in Jones' hands to make a first down that clinched a trip to Indianapolis.

"When I got here, Thomas immediately became one of my guys," Ryan said in a statement. "He had one of his best years last season, might have been his best. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him as a player and a person. This is one of the tough decisions we had to make for our organization."

Jones' departure leaves Greene, the team's third-round pick last year, as the likely starter in the backfield. The Jets also anticipate having a healthy Leon Washington, who's recovering from a broken right leg that sidelined him for the last nine games of the regular season and the playoffs.

New York might also consider adding a veteran free-agent backup, perhaps Chester Taylor or Mike Bell, to add some depth.

Jones is the latest big-name running back to hit the free agent market after San Diego recently released LaDainian Tomlinson, Philadelphia let go of Brian Westbrook and Cleveland cut ties with Jamal Lewis.

Jones was acquired from Chicago three years ago, and rushed for 3,833 yards and 28 touchdowns for the Jets. He finished third in the NFL in rushing, a year after leading the AFC and making his first Pro Bowl. Jones ranks second only to Tomlinson in yards rushing since 2005.

While he's at an age — Jones turns 32 in August — when many NFL running backs start to slow down and, in some cases, break down, he said earlier in the season that he thinks he can play another four or five years.

"Whoever came up with that rule obviously didn't play running back in this league, didn't prepare like I prepare, didn't watch film like I watch film, didn't take care of their body like I take care of my body," Jones said last October. "Physically, I feel like a rookie."

He keeps himself in terrific shape with a strict workout routine and also doesn't have the wear and tear that perhaps other running backs his age have. He never had more than 138 carries until his fifth season.

After being drafted seventh overall by Arizona in 2000, he was traded to Tampa Bay in 2002 and signed with the Bears as a free agent in 2004. Jones ranks 28th on the career list with 9,217 yards, 190 behind Earl Campbell.

**Gonzo** · 03-01-2010, 06:36 PM

Don't the jets have a fairly good o-line?

I don't know how much more he's got in the tank.
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KCrockaholic · 03-01-2010, 06:37 PM

Eh.. Gimme a guy under 30 please. I see a ton of bigger rookies in this draft at HB. I would like Blount I think, but I would also like Sproles. I know KC wont go for it.

Sure-Oz · 03-01-2010, 06:46 PM

I'd think he'd get on somewhere, he had over 1400 yards

**Mr. Flopnuts** · 03-01-2010, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sure-Oz

I'd think he'd get on somewhere, he had over 1400 yards

Yeah, he'll get a job. But RBs over 30 aren't making money anymore. He'll be underpaid wherever he ends up.

Hammock Parties · 03-01-2010, 07:09 PM

I suspect this has a lot more to do with Shonn Greene ripping shit up in the playoffs than anything.

FD · 03-01-2010, 07:14 PM

The Jets line was practically built for him, specifically in being able to open up interior lanes. Our line is the exactly opposite, and he isn't powerful enough to create his own holes inside.

Deberg_1990 · 03-01-2010, 07:17 PM

Oh yea, someone will give him a job. Probably a contending team...

Interesting career. Hes a guy who really didnt get alot of carries until his 5th or 6th year in.

Hes had a better 2nd half than 1st half....

'Hamas' Jenkins · 03-01-2010, 07:25 PM

I wouldn't be shocked if he ended up in San Diego or New England.

**Easy 6** · 03-01-2010, 07:27 PM

From a physicality/style standpoint he's just about what i had in mind to spell Jamaal... yet his age is a real red flag & there should be plenty of strong RB's to be had elsewhere.

But, a 2 year deal on the relative cheap? i dont think that'd make me puke, i'd def take him over LT, Westbrook or Lewis.

30% chance or less of it happening though, IMO.

Bill Lundberg · 03-01-2010, 07:36 PM

He is getting up there in years, but he has relatively low mileage from his first five years in the league.

**MahiMike** · 03-01-2010, 07:44 PM

If we could get him cheap, I like him. Seems always underrated. I pick him up every year in fantasy in the 5th to 7th round. He's a steady Eddy. Very reliable. There's your short yardage 3rd and 1 guy.

Mecca · 03-01-2010, 07:50 PM

For cheap, for cheap he'll sign with a good team, you should probably understand the Chiefs place.

Brock · 03-01-2010, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

I wouldn't be shocked if he ended up in San Diego or New England.

That's where I'd put him too.

-King- · 03-01-2010, 09:29 PM

Whoever signs him has to realize that his biceps are sold separately

03-01-2010, 06:32 PM
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $54454	Thomas Jones will soon be available.. Any takers?? http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100301/...n_jets_jones_2 NEW YORK – The New York Jets will release running back Thomas Jones this week, allowing the leader of the NFL's top-ranked rushing offense to become a free agent. General manager Mike Tannenbaum said Monday that the team told Jones it will cut ties with him when the league's free agency period begins Friday. "Thomas joined us three years ago and has been a productive, passionate leader both on and off the field who has served as a positive influence for our younger players," Tannenbaum said in a statement. "We were fortunate to acquire Thomas and wish him the best." Jones was due a $3 million roster bonus on top of a $2.8 million base salary this season. He and the Jets failed to reach a compromise on restructuring his contract; the team wanted him to take a pay cut. Drew Rosenhaus, Jones' agent, didn't immediately respond to e-mails seeking comment. Jones sat out voluntary activities last offseason while trying unsuccessfully to renegotiate his deal, which was front-loaded with $13.1 million over the first two seasons. He made only $900,000 in base salary last season, but didn't allow it to affect his play. The 31-year-old is coming off a season in which he set career highs by rushing for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns while helping the Jets reach the AFC championship game against Indianapolis. He was also a popular presence in the locker room, twice being voted the team's most inspirational player by his teammates. Jones had a career-high 331 carries in the regular season and appeared to wear down a bit down the stretch as rookie Shonn Greene got the majority of carries. Still, with the game on the line against San Diego and the Jets facing fourth-and-1 late, coach Rex Ryan put the ball in Jones' hands to make a first down that clinched a trip to Indianapolis. "When I got here, Thomas immediately became one of my guys," Ryan said in a statement. "He had one of his best years last season, might have been his best. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him as a player and a person. This is one of the tough decisions we had to make for our organization." Jones' departure leaves Greene, the team's third-round pick last year, as the likely starter in the backfield. The Jets also anticipate having a healthy Leon Washington, who's recovering from a broken right leg that sidelined him for the last nine games of the regular season and the playoffs. New York might also consider adding a veteran free-agent backup, perhaps Chester Taylor or Mike Bell, to add some depth. Jones is the latest big-name running back to hit the free agent market after San Diego recently released LaDainian Tomlinson, Philadelphia let go of Brian Westbrook and Cleveland cut ties with Jamal Lewis. Jones was acquired from Chicago three years ago, and rushed for 3,833 yards and 28 touchdowns for the Jets. He finished third in the NFL in rushing, a year after leading the AFC and making his first Pro Bowl. Jones ranks second only to Tomlinson in yards rushing since 2005. While he's at an age — Jones turns 32 in August — when many NFL running backs start to slow down and, in some cases, break down, he said earlier in the season that he thinks he can play another four or five years. "Whoever came up with that rule obviously didn't play running back in this league, didn't prepare like I prepare, didn't watch film like I watch film, didn't take care of their body like I take care of my body," Jones said last October. "Physically, I feel like a rookie." He keeps himself in terrific shape with a strict workout routine and also doesn't have the wear and tear that perhaps other running backs his age have. He never had more than 138 carries until his fifth season. After being drafted seventh overall by Arizona in 2000, he was traded to Tampa Bay in 2002 and signed with the Bears as a free agent in 2004. Jones ranks 28th on the career list with 9,217 yards, 190 behind Earl Campbell.
Posts: 68,718

03-01-2010, 06:36 PM	#2
Gonzo Stuff & Things Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The Yukon Casino cash: $10126924	Don't the jets have a fairly good o-line? I don't know how much more he's got in the tank. Posted via Mobile Device
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03-01-2010, 06:37 PM	#3
KCrockaholic Sarcasm Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Olathe Casino cash: $3292900	Eh.. Gimme a guy under 30 please. I see a ton of bigger rookies in this draft at HB. I would like Blount I think, but I would also like Sproles. I know KC wont go for it.
Posts: 21,179

03-01-2010, 07:09 PM	#6
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $750478	I suspect this has a lot more to do with Shonn Greene ripping shit up in the playoffs than anything. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 297,576

03-01-2010, 07:14 PM	#7
FD Veteran Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Casino cash: $9372813	The Jets line was practically built for him, specifically in being able to open up interior lanes. Our line is the exactly opposite, and he isn't powerful enough to create his own holes inside.
Posts: 4,440

03-01-2010, 07:17 PM	#8
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $54454	Oh yea, someone will give him a job. Probably a contending team... Interesting career. Hes a guy who really didnt get alot of carries until his 5th or 6th year in. Hes had a better 2nd half than 1st half....
Posts: 68,718

03-01-2010, 07:25 PM	#9
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7129572	I wouldn't be shocked if he ended up in San Diego or New England. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
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03-01-2010, 07:27 PM	#10
Easy 6 pie is never free Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: the drivers seat Casino cash: $-232225	From a physicality/style standpoint he's just about what i had in mind to spell Jamaal... yet his age is a real red flag & there should be plenty of strong RB's to be had elsewhere. But, a 2 year deal on the relative cheap? i dont think that'd make me puke, i'd def take him over LT, Westbrook or Lewis. 30% chance or less of it happening though, IMO.
Posts: 98,544

03-01-2010, 07:36 PM	#11
Bill Lundberg American Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Overland Park Casino cash: $10004925	He is getting up there in years, but he has relatively low mileage from his first five years in the league.
Posts: 3,919

03-01-2010, 07:44 PM	#12
MahiMike He's Mahomie! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Jax, FL Casino cash: $10023443	If we could get him cheap, I like him. Seems always underrated. I pick him up every year in fantasy in the 5th to 7th round. He's a steady Eddy. Very reliable. There's your short yardage 3rd and 1 guy. __________________ 99.9%
Posts: 17,387

03-01-2010, 07:50 PM	#13
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-752950	For cheap, for cheap he'll sign with a good team, you should probably understand the Chiefs place.
Posts: 115,390

03-01-2010, 09:29 PM	#15
-King- ▓▓▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▓▓ Join Date: Jan 2009 Casino cash: $-1464257	Whoever signs him has to realize that his biceps are sold separately
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