I like the way Tanny is handling this. He offered Leon what seems to be more than a reasonable offer. Alvin fucking Keels refused it. Now take the damn money, or STFU!
Man, I hope Leon takes this deal. As much as I love the guy, I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be with them giving him top 5 RB money without ever starting full time.
If they give Leon this kind of money, I don't think they plan on him being the backup for much longer.
I really don't like to think this way... but Leon, (and I'm not stupid enough to think i'm actually typing something he would ever read) what happens if you blow out a knee this year? Take the money NOW. You will be set for life and VERY well paid. Don't let a greedy agent jepordize that.
If they give Leon top 5 money they're going to plan to be getting him 200+ carries, 60+ catches and all the KO returns he can handle. That would be a top 5 back with a twist: really good production from the line of scrimmage and a topflight KR.
Maurice Jones Drew. Since Jones is on his way out, perhaps Leon is going to deserve the money Keels is trying to get him because of the perceived future production. Problem is no one gets paid due to projections. You get paid for what you've done in this league. Hence the standstill.
Michael Turner got paid based on his potential, not his actual production. Darren Sproles just got franchised at a top 5 salary for a season based on his potential, not his actual production. The facts are that the Jets are lagging in how they're dealing with Leon's situation. He really is one of the 5 most valuable non-QB properties in the backfield right now when you take his speed, receiving ability, kickoff returns and ultimately his vast potential into account. If the Jets don't respect that and offer him a topflight deal somebody else will. The Jets will get picks out of the process and maybe ultimately they'll do very well that way, but the team that gets Leon will have a real shot at having the NFL's top offensive talent outside of QB over the next few years. He's really that good.
Another Keels client, Andre Smith, is due to sign today. Maybe that is a good omen for getting this done too.
I really hope so. I'm at the point where I'm actually all for the Jets upping the offer to Washington. It seems like he's going to be better than Jones this season.
It will get worked out. I think it has to do with other players watching and the organization can't come across as soft on new contract demands in the future, that said Leon is special and needs to be treated like it.
I'd rather pay him this year and keep him here for a while. I worry that if we don't get it done, he signs elsewhere next year because he feels disrespected unless we offer a gaudy amount. Plus we'd have to sign him for even more if we wait until next year because he's likely to have a hell of a year barring injury. It is tempting to let it ride though, we are stealing his service this year at his current salary.
It seems like the Jets left the offer on the table as if to say, what you got, Leon? Well my man has responded with a resounding pay me muthafukkas. It has become readily apparent that Leon is the heart and soul of our offense and if he wants 6 million a year to continue to do what he does, then that's what he deserves. He is the type of guy that instead of sitting out the preseason over a contract dispute, shows up anyway and puts all critics to rest. He is the kind of guy we need on our team for the duration of his career. His worth can't be measured in stats alone, but I have a feeling that in the end, the stats will reflect that too.
I called Leon's high school coach today to see if I could get any details. I guess he was busy. I'll speak to him by Friday, that's when high school ball starts down here.
The thing is, as great as Washington's played he has absolutely no leverage in this situation. If he doesn't sign a deal then the Jets can just let Jones go and franchise Washington next offseason. And if he plays without signing a contract and (God forbid) blows out a knee or something, the Jets still have Jones and Greene. He'd never even come close to getting this good an offer. Washington is an asset but RB is the Jets deepest position. Tannenbaum has already gone higher than he has to, probably because Leon is awesome and he wants to keep him happy long term. But make no mistake, Tanny holds all the cards here.
the jets should do everything in their power to sign leon. without him we have no explosive playmakers. remember the patriots game that we miraculously won last year? you think we woulda won that game without leon? i dont think so.
Forgot to post on here but I talked to Leon on Facebook the other day. I dont remember exactly how it went but it was along the lines of this.. Me: Hey Leon take that $5 million we need you to be happy this year. Leon: Dont believe everything you read in the post man Me: Yeah i know exspecially the post. Leon: For sure Me: I g2g leon, have fun in cortland teach Shawnn grenne a thing or two Leon: Yeah im showing him a few things. Intresting
