Jets up offer to Leon, Ryan denies Jones' trade talks
Jets running back Leon Washington, who is in the last year of his contract, is scheduled to earn $535,000 in 2009. However, Washington's representation and the Jets have been negotiating a contract extension.
According to Rich Cimini of the NY Daily News, the Jets have upped their offer to Washington from $2 million per season to $4.5 million per season. However, Washington is believed to be seeking $6 million per year.
Thomas Jones, who led the AFC in rushing in 2008, is due to earn $5 million this year. Jones contract is up after the 2010 season.
Some rumors have surfaced that the Jets were talking to an NFC West team about Jones. However, Jets coach Rex Ryan calls those rumors "ridiculous."
"I promise you that is ridiculous," Ryan said, per M.A. Mehta of the Newark Star-Ledger. "I'm not going to trade that...This guy is huge in our plans. I'm not going to trade the running back that led the AFC in rushing....We ain't dealing him, no way."
Washington rushed for 448 yards on 76 carries and had 47 catches for 355 yards. Last year, Washington averaged 5.9 yards per carry and had nine combined touchdowns (six rushing, two receiving and one returns).
