FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -Mark Sanchez heard a lot about Thomas Jones’ reputation for being a workout warrior. Still, the New York Jets rookie quarterback’s eyes widened when he saw his new bulky running back for the first time.
“He’s a stud, man,” Sanchez said Thursday. “I asked the guys before and they said, ‘You’ll know him when you see him.’ I came in and he’s just massive, rocked-up, chiseled. It’s huge to have a back like that, that demands that kind of respect in your running game.”
Jones rejoined his teammates Wednesday after boycotting voluntary workouts while in a contract dispute. Whether an agreement was in place for a new deal was uncertain because last season’s AFC rushing leader stiff-armed the media Thursday after practice. He fittingly remained in the weight room during the hour of media availability in the locker room.
and just to see him up close, that wow, this guy, he really is built like that. … He told me he’s happy to be here, and I told him I’m certainly happy that he’s here. That’s exciting to have him back here.”
Jones, selected for his first Pro Bowl last season after rushing for 1,312 yards and 13 touchdowns, is entering the third year of a four-year, $20 million deal. The contract was front-loaded with $13.1 million over the first two seasons, and he’s scheduled to make only $900,000 in base salary this season.
He’s also due a $3 million roster bonus next March, so the 30-year-old running back is likely seeking some long-term financial security.
“It is a business and you’ve got to take care of yourself,” Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold said. “It’s great that he’s back and whatever he’s got to do, he’s got to do. I know T.J. the person, he’s not going to let himself go and he’s going to keep working, no matter where he is.”
Jones’ teammates had some fun when he reported for practice Wednesday.
“It’s not my place to ask him and I don’t think it’s necessary for him to explain himself,” Mangold said. “You do have to give him a little gruff when he got back. I introduced myself to him as if he was a new guy, so there’s a little bit of joking going around.
le bunch of iron.”
Ryan said he hadn’t spoken to Jones about his specific contract issues, but expects him to remain with the team through the voluntary sessions and mandatory minicamp, which begins June 9.
“It’s my understanding that Thomas is under contract, OK?” Ryan said. “This is a voluntary camp and all that kind of stuff. When it’s mandatory, I mean, he’s going to be here in a mandatory camp. I truly believe that.”
Meanwhile, Pro Bowl running back-kick returner Leon Washington remained absent, also in a contract dispute. He hasn’t been at the Jets’ facility since the workouts began two weeks ago.
Washington is due to earn $535,000 this season, the final year of his rookie deal. He’s believed to be looking for about $6 million a year, similar to deals that Jacksonville’s Maurice Jones-Drew and San Diego’s Darren Sproles – players he’s often compared to – have received.
“Everybody knows how valuable Leon is to the team, an explosive player,” Woody said. “The business side is going to take care of itself. When it comes down to it, I know he’s going to be here ready to go and making a lot of plays.”
into labor, so we’re proud of her.” … LB David Harris collided with S Jim Leonhard during a punting drill and took a helmet to his mouth. Ryan said Harris’ teeth were OK. “I did tell him that, ‘You’re not a handsome guy anyway,”’ Ryan said. “Another scary thing, but he’s doing fine.”
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