When the New York Jets report to training camp later this month, there's no guarantee that all-purpose running back Leon Washington will be arriving on time.
According to Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News, Washington remains undecided on whether he'll hold out of camp when the team reports on July 30.
No deal is imminent. Per the report, the Jets and Washington's agent, Alvin Keels, aren't close in contract talks.
"I do not know," Washington told the Daily News. "Honestly, the situation is pretty much the same as it was in minicamp. We're at a standstill. Not a standstill, but nothing has really changed."
Here's the dividing point:
Washington reportedly wants to make $6 million annually.
At first, the Jets offered him only a $2 million average.
And he's due just a $535,000 base salary on a rookie contract due to expire after this season.
So, Washington skipped the majority of the Jets' voluntary offseason workouts.
And, now, he's pondering whether to escalate the situation by holding out.
Leon's a great all around threat... I know he hasn't put up No. 1 back type numbers yet, but he does a great job of making up for it by making the most out of every touch he gets. If given the opportunity, I'm confident that he would be even more amazing to watch then he already is.
The Jets should give him a straight up 4 year deal, worth $4mm a year, plus performance incentives, and a solid signing bonus.
I say pay the man and get it over with!
J.ust E.nd T.he S.talemate!
Yawn!
A situational scatback thinks he's worth $6 million annually? Wow.
I say he signed a contract....play. When it's up then sign a new one. He had a great year last year.....show us you can do it again....then we'll pay. Holding out will only hurt him.