Teammates Upset With Jets' Decision To Cut Thomas Jones

NFL News - March 2nd, 2010 - Written by John Ritter

The New York Jets are set to release running back Thomas Jones on Friday in a presumed money move. But after a career season in 2009 helped the Jets reach the AFC Championship for the first time since 1998, many of his soon-to-be former teammates don't get it.

"A passionate guy like that, with the intensity he brought at certain points in the game, it ignited sparks in everybody," lineman Brandon Moore told the New York Daily News. "You would've liked to have kept a guy like that."

Jones was as much a favorite in the locker room as he was on the field, twice being named the team's most-inspirational guy in a player vote. He was the leader of a two-headed monster with rookie Shonn Greene that gained 1,942 yards and 16 touchdowns. Jones had 1,402 and 14 of those totals as a 31-year old, and seemed to have plenty of tread on his tires.

He was set to make a $3 million bonus in '10 if New York had kept him around, a relatively affordable price for his production. And some teammates are wondering aloud why he is being dumped, while other money pits are retained.

"I can tell you, it's not going to be a popular move in the locker room," a player told The Daily under the condition of anonymity. "We loved T.J. The man loved the game and put it all on the line only to get dumped after his best season. I think you should reward players for performance. You dump him but give Vernon (Gholston) another shot? Doesn't make sense."

Gholston has primarily been considered a dud in his first two seasons after being selected sixth overall in the '08 Draft. The linebacker has just 30 career tackles and zero sacks.

However, as noted by ProFootballTalk, Gholston's rookie contract (like most others) entails far more job security than a veteran's. So no matter how much production a club gets out of it's youngsters, it usually has to bite the strap and bear it - which means older players become interchangeable.

Plus, it also benefits New York that Greene came on strong and played well in the playoffs. He gained 100 yards in each of the first two games (both upset wins in online sportsbooks) and had the game-winning score against the San Diego Chargers. And with Leon Washington returning from injury, the Jets will still have a quality backfield.

But that doesn't mean Jones won't be missed.

"Some players bring things to the table that you can't put a price on, and T.J. is one of those guys," lineman Damien Woody said.

Of the potential suitors for Jones, San Diego seems to be the most in need for a running back after clearing out it's backfield last week.

Jones is 28th on the NFL's career rushing list with 9,217, only 190 yards from moving into 27th.