Jets set to release RB Jones this week

The New York Jets have told their running back Thomas Jones that they will cut ties with him when the league’s free agency period begins on Friday, letting the leader of the league’s top-ranked rushing offense become test his value in free agent market.

“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,” Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum said in a statement. “We were fortunate to acquire Thomas and wish him the best.”

If Jones continues playing in Jets jersey for 2010 season, the Jets will have to pay him $3 million roster bonus and a $2.8 million base salary. Failing to persuade Jones to accept a contract restructure, which means a pay cut, the Jets now have no other choice than letting him go. 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, and there must be a team that is willing to pay as much as he demands.

Jets RB Jones could follow LT to be cut

As the San Diego Chargers finally officially announced they have released running back LaDainian Tomlinson after a low 2009 season, some begin to worry similar thing may happen to the New York Jets running back Thomas Jones.

Different from Tomlinson who finished the 2009 season with career low 730 yards on 223 carries for an average of 3.3 yards per attempt; Jones is still playing at a very high level, rushing for 1,402 yards last season. The uncertainties on his relationship with Jets are on other things.

Turning 32 year old, Jones is due a $3 million roster bonus and a $2.8 million base salary for 2010 season. It is just unlikely for any team to pay so much money for 32-year-old running back. Plus the Jets have young choices like Shonn Greene. They even do not need Jones as a backup if Leon Washington wears back his Jets jersey after full recovery from his leg surgery.

Jets coach Ryan said the team will not trade RB Jones

An internet report recently said that the New York Jets would trade running back Thomas Jones to an NFC West team because he sat out voluntary workouts. Jets coach Rex Ryan denied that speculation by saying that it’s "100 percent not true."

"Shoot, I'm not going to trade that," Ryan said of Jones. "You know what I'm all about, and this guy is huge in our plans. I'm not going to trade the running back who led the AFC in rushing (with 1,312 yards). I would for three first-round picks and something like that, maybe. We ain't dealing him. No way." Hope that during the season no fans would wear brett favre jersey to bring him bad memory.

Jones made his first Pro Bowl last season, but he skipped quite a few voluntary workouts during the offseason, and it was said that he was looking for a restructured contract. That may explain why some people guessed the team would trade him to another team.