I believe Thomas Jones should get more than $900,000
I realize that is not a popular sentiment among many Jets' fans, who believe that Jones should be beholden to the four-year, $20 million contract he signed before the 2007 season. The one he has already collected $13.1 million from over the first two years.
But Jones is scheduled to make only $900,000 this year, a mere pittance for the reigning AFC rushing champion, and has voiced his discontent by boycotting most of the Jets' voluntary practices this off-season.
Jones is back practicing, although the Jets have given no indication that they're ready to change or extend his contract. In fact, sources tell me they are not inclined to give him any more money, mostly because he has two years left on the deal, he has already collected nearly 2/3 of the contract and that the team doesn't want to set a precedent for other players.
But in Jones' case, I believe there is a middle ground that would only change the structure - and not the total value - of the deal. And by making one change in the contract, it would go a long way toward making the situation far more equitable for Jones, while still keeping the overall parameters of the contract in place.
Jones is due to make a $3 million roster bonus next March, and would receive $3 million in base salary in 2010. But Jones is concerned that the Jets would simply release him before next March, since he'd be 32 heading into next season, an age when many running backs are in decline. That may or may not be the case, but Jones is not anxious to find out.
At this point, the Jets have all the leverage, since Jones is under contract and would face fines for each day he misses a mandatory practice session. But we are not talking about a middling player here. We are talking about a guy who has rushed for back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in his two years in New York. And with new head coach Rex Ryan advocating a smash-mouth offense that stresses the run, Jones can be expected to see plenty of carries this year.
If he produces something similar to last year's 1,312-yard, 13 touchdown season, then he will have far exceeded the value of his contract. In fact, he would easily be among the most underpaid players in the NFL for the 2009 season based on his salary.
I know. I know. He signed the contract. He got plenty of dough in the first two years of the front-loaded contract.
So how about this: What if the Jets simply move the $3 million roster bonus from next March into this year - or simply guarantee that the money be paid, thereby giving Jones a $3.9 million deal this season. That's still less than half the yearly average of Jaguars newly-signed running back Maurice Jones-Drew's four-year, $32.8 million deal, yet it's a far better reflection of Jones' value to the Jets.
I realize the Jets don't want to set a precedent here, and I realize that one of the reasons they released Laveranues Coles from his contract, rather than extended the deal, was because of that. But it was also because Coles' numbers and injuries proved he was a descending player. It was thus in the Jets' interest to rebuff Coles.
If Jones were a descending player, then fine. Keep him at $900,000 and that's that. But he has rushed for over 1,100 yards in each of the last four seasons, and his yardage total in 2008 was the second highest of his career. Those are not descending numbers, even if Jones is at an age when running backs traditionally - but not always - break down.
Remember, too, that Jones started a mere 18 games combined over his first four years, due to a combination of injury and ineffectiveness. He averaged just 125 carries per season in that span, so he doesn't have the typical wear and tear of a guy heading into his 10th season.
The Jets don't appear willing to make any alterations in Jones' contract, as is their right. But if they're willing to at least consider the possibility, and if Jones is willing to accept, then I think it would go a long way toward resolving a thorny issue that will continue to fester and won't go away any time soon.
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Comments (26)
that's just dumb.
NFL contracts are frontloaded specifically because of the risk of being released. Jones should shut up and play well enough that they can't release him after this year.
Screw him. Sign one year contracts then.
"I know. I know. He signed the contract."
Uh....Bob?
Nuf said?
If he's having trouble making his house payments, there are plenty of refinance options available.
But I have a funny feeling, that's not the case.
No one ever choked to death swallowing his pride.
Bob, I think I am with you on this. You know there's a saying that a contract is only as good as the paper it's written on, and there's a reason for that. It's true in every business, even football. So what if it was front loaded. Chances are we get another year like last year from Jones. If we are to be the run first team that they say we will be, Jones will be what carries our offense. Surely the guy carrying the offense needs to be the guy that we take care of, from a financial perspective. Jones has more than two years left in my opinion. I believe he will exceed the average lifespan of a typical RB. The guy looks better than most RB's ever look at his age. I'm not saying that Jones won't give us everything he got this year, but we need him to, and I'd sure like to give him a reason to.
Bob, I was initially against the idea of the Jets compromising in any way but am now inclined to agree with you. HOWEVER, before the Jets should even entertain your suggestion they must first extend Leon. I know you will agree that, of the two, Leon is the far more underpaid player and, if either player deserves a raise it is him.
Once the Jets extend Leon they should take a look at Jones. But to throw Thomas a bone without first extending Leon will create greater discord with Leon and may reduce the amount of money you can give him. Leon should be the first priority, IMO.
if you're not willing to play for 900k for 1 16 game season, we know the jets wont make the playoffs, than you probably shouldn't have signed the contract huh? maybe he should have had his agent add a lil more incentives to the deal so if he rushed for X amt of yards the 900k becomes like 2,000,000 or something, he was dumb enough to sign it, live with it! let him sit out the year then, and the jets can get another top pick nxt year maybe and pick up a RB whos not dumb enough to sign a contract with pennys at the back end and then cry about it
Bob, did the Jets complain after they paid im all that money to rush for 1 TD? The reason you don't move the $3 million to his base this year is because other players in jep. of getting released before their bonus would wants theirs moved up as well. Not to mention we have to sign our franshise QB to a contract before we give money to any RB, Thomas or Leon.
Jones needs to shut his mouth. He is good but not worth crying
over. You get bonuses by showing up and preforming in which
Jones lost his this year for not showing up to some work outs.
He needs to stop crying and show up because this just shows
to me as the fan he isn't here to be a Jet but just for the Money.
If Jones plays this year under the contract, he will have received $14 million for 3 years. An average of $4.67 million per year, not including the present value of the front loaded agreement. That sounds about right. The payment structure seems to have been well thought out. For Jones to come back now claiming he's underpaid is simply wrong. The Jets should not renegotiate anything here.
How much did he give back after sucking the first year?
Exactly, Richie. This is a player who has had plenty of inexplicable suck in him, both here and in Chicago. Earn it and get extended.
Why do I even read this drivel?
Mr. Glauber how fast you are ready to spend the Jets money!
How much did Jones give back to the Jets his first year?
If I were the Jets I would never renegotiate a contract unless the contract has a clause to do so.
I can do without players who only care about themselves and not the team.
Jones does not care about winning!
What in the world did he do with his money anyway?
Jets don't need someone like him!
If Jets do renegotiate they'd be fools!
Give the money to Leon Washington instead, He has earned it!
I'll grant you the one touchdown from 2007 was not a distinguished achievement. But Jones was playing behind an awful line and there were quarterback injury issues. To gain over 1,100 yards in that circumstance was very good work.
Remember, I'm not arguing that Jones should get more than his original contract calls for. I'm merely suggesting some of the money gets transferred into this year.
While I'm not in any way comparing Jones to Curtis Martin, you'll recall that Curtis received a six-year, $36 million contract in 1997. That's 12 freakin' years ago. Jones isn't making close to that money in today's market.
Mr. Glauber how fast you are ready to spend the Jets money!
How much did Jones give back to the Jets his first year?
If I were the Jets I would never renegotiate a contract unless the contract has a clause to do so.
I can do without players who only care about themselves and not the team.
Jones does not care about winning!
What in the world did he do with his money anyway?
Jets don't need someone like him!
If Jets do renegotiate they'd be fools!
Give the money to Leon Washington instead, He has earned it!
Mr. Glauber how fast you are ready to spend the Jets money!
How much did Jones give back to the Jets his first year?
If I were the Jets I would never renegotiate a contract unless the contract has a clause to do so.
I can do without players who only care about themselves and not the team.
Jones does not care about winning!
What in the world did he do with his money anyway?
Jets don't need someone like him!
If Jets do renegotiate they'd be fools!
Give the money to Leon Washington instead, He has earned it!
He already received more than half of the money due under the contract, and he's only played half of the contract.
He knew, when he signed it- that it was a front and back loaded four year contract.
He didn't complain when he earned 6.5 mil over the last two seasons, the first of which was very diappointing.
Why would GMs continue to offer anything other than an evenly applied base over the term on any contract.
Otherwise, ever player will continue to take in with a smile in the heavy contract year, than cry "Underpaid according to the market" during a single dip year in a contract- he signed.
I meant 6.5 million, per season, for season's one and two, or 13 million total.
Glauber, you've got to be kidding to compare this to Curtis Martin's contract. The negotiation in 1997 was when Martin was a free agent. That's not the case here. Not only is Jones in the MIDDLE of his current agreement, but the Jet's have already paid him over half of that money. You're not even comparing apples and oranges you're so far off.
The problem is Bob, the Jets like any other teams are going to have some bargain contracts, and some problematic contracts. You have to take advantage of the bargains when you can...because the players who suck sure as hell aint going to give back what they earned. (I know they may be forced to renegotiate but still)
Also, what happens when someone sees that Jones renegotiated and then they want to?? Salary cap hell.
I'll grant you the Jets line sucked his first year. But Jones isn't a great RB. If they lost him they could get someone else. Its the easiest position to replace. The line is far more valuable.
Glauber you are a total idiot!! Sorry to be so rude, but that is the only that sums up your article
The only what, Rich?
Word, Bob. You position was so assinine, I actually was a loss for words. Again sorry to be rude, sure you are a nice guy, But extend a 30 something year old RB, who got huge money upfront. It's just silly
Bob,
Your idea is not bad. The Jets are not going to give him an extra penny considering they will give Leon a new deal at some point plus they drafted Greene.While i have said they will trade him it seems they need him more this year then we think. Greene will be good but he is having trouble catching the ball and needs to learn how to pass block. Not a good combintaion for a RB that will take over for an All - Pro RB with a rookie QB starting. And since they let Baker go because they didn't want to pay him is money due in 2010 also i think there is a solution. Go half way. Move half of te 2.8 March 2010 bonus unto his 2009 salary. Thats more then fair. I would not guarantee the enitre thing. Then if he wants after this season they can trade or release him.
They can't continue to lose players like Baker. TJ i can understand and LC too. Baker was the player they should have kept. I hate to say this but its starting to look more and more like the Jets will make a run at Plax after his coust date on 6/15 if he doesn't go to jail. That makes me sick. I would rather p/u or trade ofr another veteran then have Plax. Go back to 2000 when Curtis and Anderson combined for 158 catches which were more then the Jets top 3 WR's. Chrebet,Ward and LC. Keller is going to be such a big part of the offense this year. I am uping his catch total to about 70.
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