He played behind a terrible OL in 2007 and still rushed for over 1100 yards. That should tell you something about him as a RB. Yet all we hear about is that he only had one rushing TD. Big freakin' deal. It's not like we were lighting it up with rushing TDs from our other RBs. When he finally got to rush behind a good OL he became the AFC's leading rusher. He didn't lack production in 2007, he just didn't have a top tier season like he did for us in 2008. I disagree that he should "play out the contract he signed" considering the Jets will release him next year and not pay him the last year of that same contract that they also signed. My point is that we should move some of 2010 money into this year and he will be cap friendly this year and next year...if we have the cap space to do so this year.
My whole thing is if we have the space to do so this year, why not give him a few extra bucks while lowering his 2010 salary. It really doesn't hurt us if we have the cap space.
This is something both agents and players are aware of, as every team does this to the players, especially especially with RBs. If TJ didn't know this was going to happen, it's his agent's fault for agreeing to the type of contract.
he was paid extremely well last year for his production. he had a great year last year and was compensated accordingly. he can't say whether he is underpaid this year because he hasn't produced anything. if at the end of the season he has another fantastic year, and makes under a million for the season, then and only then does he have a gripe.
True, it is a flawed system that isn't perfect. I just think he deserves to have some of that money. I guess ultimately I just think he should receive some of that money and if he plays well this year it wouldn't hurt us in 2010 to keep him.
The only receiver I could see us landing at this point would be Braylon Edwards. Then if that were to happen, it would be unlikely that Jones would see any extra cash. I would really hate it if we got Burress, who shot himself in the leg and that to me is more of an issue than his legal problems.
I know he's long in the tooth, but Marvin Harrison would be a nice addition for you guys. Harrison and Edwards would be a huge plus for the JETS.
He did know it was going to happen that's why he wanted the up front money. The agent got the man his 3rd years salary before he carried the ball one time for the Jets. The agent set up the deal so that Jones would be out next year and either sign a new 1 or 2 year deal with the Jets or be an FA. The Jets wanted to front load so they could use the cap space this year. The are trying to double dip.
What did TJ make this past year? As we know, he was paid well in 2007; I'm not sure what he made last year; and this year he's due what, $900,000, which may or not be warranted as we don't know what his production will be yet. But correct me if I have my numbers wrong.
It may not greatly affect us monetarily in 2010, but why pay a guy at that point when he'll be a 32-year-old RB, and when we'd have Leon and Greene as younger, capable (and probably more productive) RBs?
If he's still productive and in his last year of his contract there isn't much reason to get rid of him.
He was guaranteed 12 million. He got 13.1 million in the first two years. If he plays this year he will have made 14 million for 3 years. The Jets and Jones knew what the deal was. The 4th year was a restructure deal that allowed Jones to become an FA if they can't reach an agreement after this season. Money up front is worth more than money down the road. Jones got a front loaded deal for 3 years and a 4th year deal that both sides know has to be restructured and if an agreement can't be reached he will get cut and become a FA. It was a good deal for Jones and a good deal for the Jets.
Well, if the payout is 6 million there is. Even in an uncapped year, why pay him 6 mill. Jones is not that good of a running back. Just because we could spend what ever we want in an uncapped year does not mean we have to or will spend it. If Greene proves he can replace the production of Jones at a fraction of the cost then Jones should be cut before 2010.
If we moved up some of his money into this year we wouldn't be giving him 6 Million next year. Are my posts being half read or am I not being clear enough with what I mean?
That's the smart move. bring the 3 mil bonus from next year forward..and ewven out his cap number at 3.5 (roughly...)per yr.
You are clear enough, but your not answering the question of Why? Why give him more money this year? He will play for the 900k or get fined. That will cost him money and save the jets money. Greene would get some of his reps and Leon the rest. I would not think your going to see a big dropoff in play because of the talent on our line. There is no reason to give him more money right now. None. Even if you do go out of the way to move money to this year, he is still making a lot next year. If we get rid of him and save the 6 mill, that can be sepnt on retaining other, younger, talented guys already on the roster. There is no good reason to keep Jones around.
It's a combination of things. One, its good to show your guys that you will also give them money rather than continue to shell it out to Free Agents. Two, he did earn it the last two years. You may say that anyone can run behind our OL, but not everyone could rush for 1100 yards behind the OL that we had in 2007 and Jones did. And he didn't complain about it either. We also don't exactly know whether or not Greene can carry the load that Jones can. So why are we all of a sudden anointing Greene as someone who can do the exact same things that Jones can?
+1 Good post, Harpua....I'm totally on board with this logic. Thomas Jones received a heavily "front-loaded" contract....and earned every penny. But....he knew the terms when he signed.....the Jets are not obligated to "line his pockets" again. When they drafted Shonn Greene....i'm sure that was the message the Jets were sending Jones. He doesn't have a leg to stand on.
