Jones-Drew Still Not In Jags Camp
JACKSONVILLE (CBSMiami) – While the Miami Dolphins have a wealth of talent at the running back position; the Jacksonville Jaguars need Maurice Jones-Drew in training camp, but that doesn't appear to be in the cards anytime soon.
Jones-Drew wants a new contract, even though he has two years left on his current deal. The relationship between the running back and the Jaguars franchise has started to sour as team owner Shahid Khan has said Jones-Drew isn't getting a new deal.
Tuesday, Jones-Drew said he was open to a trade by the Jaguars. But, unless a team was willing to completely blow away the Jaguars with a trade, he's not likely to be moved. Then Wednesday, Jones-Drew walked back the trade talk and said he's willing to reconcile with the team.
At this point, Jones-Drew has zero leverage over his situation as he's under contract for two more seasons. He hasn't showed up for training camp and can hold out until Week 10 of the regular season. If he shows up by Week 10, he will accrue a full season to count against his contract.
So far in the preseason, the Jaguars offense hasn't missed Jones-Drew. Second year quarterback Blaine Gabbert has been extremely efficient thus far and Rashad Jennings has carried the load at running back.
The real test for the team will be if Jones-Drew doesn't show for the regular season opener and Gabbert regresses to the awful player he was last year. At that point, Khan may be forced to rethink his strategy, or the fanbase could get even angrier.
