According to Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News, it’s “believed” that the Jets will use a second-round tender on restricted free agent Leon Washington next week.
Though Washington is coming off a fractured fibula and tibia, he would generate interest on the restricted free agent market if tendered at the original-pick level. Washington was a fourth-round selection in the 2006 draft. If not for the injury, teams probably would’ve given Washington a long look at the higher-level tender.
The second-round tender is worth roughly $1.8 million.
According to Cimini, the Jets expect Washington “to be ready for opening day.”
Washington is likely to be New York’s No. 2 back behind Shonn Greene in 2010, while also contributing in the return game.
Incumbent starter Thomas Jones is expected to be released.