Jets Release Thomas Jones and Lito Sheppard

The New York Jets have announced that they will release runningback Thomas Jones. Jones, acquired prior to the 2007 season from the Chicago Bears, was a three year starter for the Jets. After deciding not to restructure his contract, the Jets informed him that he would be released. Jones was slated to receive a $3 million roster bonus March 9 and a $2.8 million base salary in 2010.

Jones set a career high in rushing yards, 1402, and rushing touchdowns, 14, in his last season with the Jets in 2009. In 2008, Jones scored a then career high 13 rushing touchdowns, while rushing for 1312 yards, his second best rushing total at that time. He was also a popular presence in the locker room, twice being voted the team's most inspirational player by his teammates.

Jones had a career-high 331 carries in the regular season and appeared to wear down a bit down the stretch as rookie Shonn Greene got the majority of carries. Still, with the game on the line against San Diego and the Jets facing fourth-and-1 late, coach Rex Ryan put the ball in Jones' hands to make a first down that clinched a trip to Indianapolis.

"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 GM Mike Tannenbaum said in a statement. "We were fortunate to acquire Thomas and wish him the best."

Jones' departure leaves Greene, the team's third-round pick last year, as the likely starter in the backfield. The Jets also anticipate having a healthy Leon Washington, who's recovering from a broken right leg that sidelined him for the last nine games of the regular season and the playoffs.
The Jets might also consider adding a veteran free-agent backup, perhaps Chester Taylor or Mike Bell, to add some depth.

He finished third in the NFL in rushing this past season, a year after leading the AFC and making his first Pro Bowl. Jones ranks second only to LaDainian Tomlinson in yards rushing since 2005.

While he's at an age, 32 in August, when many running backs start to slow down and, in some cases, break down, he said earlier in the season that he thinks he can play another four or five years.

"Whoever came up with that rule obviously didn't play running back in this league, didn't prepare like I prepare, didn't watch film like I watch film, didn't take care of their body like I take care of my body," Jones said last October. "Physically, I feel like a rookie."

That's for sure. Have you ever seen this guy's arms and legs?! Each of his biceps are bigger than both of mine combined and his quads are maybe literally tree trunks, obviously I'm exaggerating, but you get the point. He keeps himself in terrific shape with a strict workout routine and also doesn't have the wear and tear that perhaps other running backs his age have. He never had more than 138 carries until his fifth season.

Also, the Jets released cornerback Lito Sheppard, a team source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The move was expected, what with Sheppard's disappointing season after being acquired from Philadelphia last offseason; he also was due a $10 million roster bonus.

I'm going to have to say that I am not a huge fan of the release of Thomas Jones, but word around the league is that the Jets will try to re-sign him.

Many in the Jets locker room are not pleased with his release, with one unnamed player saying "I can tell you, it's not going to be a popular move in the locker room. 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."

I am going to have to agree with this unnamed Jet in a sense. Gholston is now in year two of the Rex Ryan era, so look for improvement out of him this year. Jones had his best season last year and the Jets are refusing to pay him a $3 million roster bonus and a $2.8 million salary? I mean this is the sports world of ridiculously high contracts and they Jets couldn't afford to pay that to Thomas Jones? I think they should've bit the bullet and given Jones his money.

On the Lito Sheppard front: who cares? The guy was terrible last season and everyone knew he was going to be released. He couldn't cover anyone, started only nine games this past season, and was burned in the AFC Championship game. Good luck elsewhere in 2010, Lito. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.