With the Jets applying only a second-round tender to running back Leon Washington, they are essentially inviting another team to sign him to an offer sheet.
That process could get started, we’re told, within the next day or two. Thus far, however, no visits have been scheduled.
Washington and the Jets were engaged in talks on a long-term deal last year, but no agreement could be reached. When he broke an ankle a leg in the regular season, the chances of a multi-year contract being done in the short term plummeted to zero.
But any team that needs help at running back — especially if that team drafts in the lower portion of round two — should be thinking about Washington, a versatile weapon who averaged nearly six yards per carry in 2008.
This guy would be a perfect, perfect, perfect fit on the Eagles.
When did Alvin Keels become a contributor?
Vikes should think about grabbing this guy
Thought he had a compound fracture of his right fibula in the regular season, which is not the ankle.
He’d look good in Patriots colors.
If we lose Leon, the Jets will be going into the 2010 season with no veteran backs to help out in the running game. This means they might make a play for Westbrook.
The Steelers could use help at running back, and Washington might sign for a cheaper rate if it gives him a decent chance to make the playoffs and potentially win a Superbowl. Presumed starter Mendenhall will need someone to share carries, and the Steelers could use a quick, versatile back that can catch passes. But if the Steelers try to go too cheap, the Jets can just match it and bring Washington back at a reasonable rate. So his chances of ending up the gold and black are not very good.
I am hopeful, obviously, that the Steelers go back to being a power running team, or at least include the run game as a viable part of the offense. I got sick of seeing 5 receiver sets with an empty backfield last year. If the Steelers continue to focus too much on passing, I think Ben will be out of the league in 2-3 years due to injuries.
The Lions need to look at this guy, he is young, has a ton of potential, and is a momentum changer. Go get him Mayhew.
The Giants should grab him…Derrick Ward rebounded nicely after breaking his leg & Washington is obviously a better player.
mustbechris, thanks for the dumb comment. im sure we need another player from another team coming off major leg injury.
what about LT or Thomas Jones- when and where?
what are the latest rumors
Doesn’t Pierre Thomas have a 2nd round tender also? Why aren’t we talking about teams going after him? I would much rather have Pierre than Leon and his 1 leg.
come to Detroit Leon
why would Andy Reid give up a second for another RB when he doesn’t even run the ball?
He would look even better in Orange and Brown.
The Vikes have lots of options to fill the Chester void now. LT, Westbrook, Washington, Thomas Jones, etc.
Lions need to get him!
The Seahawks should sign Mike Bell and ALSO pick up Leon Washington to kick start that pathetic running game.
I love Leon, but I don’t understand why a team would give up a 2nd round pick in the deepest draft class since ’83 for a guy who just shredded his knee, will miss all of training camp and plays one of the easiest positions to replace.
Either way, I’ll be happy. I like Leon and I’d have no problem giving him a shot next year to see what he can do, but I’d be just as satisfied with a 2nd rounder.
EAGLES dont need a running back until we have a skinny coach who can run himself…why would u call running plays when the most uncomfortable thing for Andy Reid to do is sucessfully jog 3 feet….
NYJests Fan…..
What… you’re a Jets fan, yet you think he had a knee injury? Try a broken leg. Damn a lot of Jets fans are stoopid. I bet you were one of those guys that had the signs spelling JEST
Any team that wants to sign Washington better give him a very lucrative deal, because the Jets have enough money to match any offer. This is a gamble on the part of the Jets, hoping that no team wants to risk Leon and his leg to signing a long term deal. But if a team does offer a long term deal, the Jets will probaly swallow their pride and match the offer, Leon is too good a talent to lose in a pissing match with that jerk off Keels.
DragonRider…. You the guy from CBS Sportsline???
Umm…. Leon is NOT signing cheap!
Look at the Jets last year, one game away from the SB! So you think he’ll sign with a team for cheap in hopes of making the SB, when the Jets were the closest team in the AFC to make the SB? And when he wanted a BIG contract from the Jets which is why they never came to terms.
Your logic makes absolutely no sense, and it seems like you don’t pay attention to football at all.
dragonrider2300- Um the Jets made it further than the steelers this year – without Leon and without their best defensive player Jenkins and with a rookie QB. Why would he be willing to take less money to go to a lesser team? That said if offered a #2 pick for Leon I see the Jets letting him go without a look back.
Broke his leg ill doubt he’ll play the same why you think the jets throwing him away but I wish Mr wash!!!!
This might be a deep draft, but not that deep for RBs. This is a defensive draft. I have a feeling the Jets want someone to take him, and will go after a guy like Westbrook, who could thrive in a system that doesn’t ask him to do it all by himself. This would give us a 1st, 2 2nd rounders, and a 4th. The jets are a team with very few big holes to fill. In a year where they are the most restricted, they can damn well fill every hole, and then some.
@ mrzazz
I fully agree with your assessment… as much as I love Leon as an unbelievable multi-threat talent on the field, the Jets might be better served by letting him go, grabbing that 2nd round pick, and taking that opportunity to plug up some holes and shore up the team with some youthful talent that can make an immediate impact.
I like the strategy, but still, it’s just tough to let a guy like Leon go… he’s a truly gifted player.
andy reid gave up a 4th for lorenzo booker, so why wouldn’t he give up a 2nd for leon washington?