You'd think running for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns could buy a running back some job security. Not if you're Jets RB Thomas Jones.
The Jets are expected to release Jones as early as Monday, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. This would confirm reports from last Friday that Jones will become a free agent.
Jones, 31, reportedly refused to renegotiate his contract, which called for him to make $2.8 million in 2010, in addition to a $3 million roster bonus which is due next week.
That, coupled with the emergence of rookie RB Shonn Greene during the Jets' surprising postseason run, made Jones expendable.
The 10-year veteran ran for career-highs of 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2009 and reached the 1,000-yard plateau in each his three seasons with Gang Green.
The Jets, who are counting on RB Leon Washington to make a full recovery from the gruesome broken leg he suffered during the season, will seek to replace Jones with a strong, between-the-tackles back through free-agency or the draft.