Leon Washington would like to make a withdrawal.
“Everything I’ve done is in the bank in a sense,” the Jets running back said yesterday. “I’ve been saving over the last three years for this opportunity that will be coming up here.”
That opportunity is the one to renegotiate his rookie contract. Washington has one year left on his four-year deal that will pay him slightly more than $600,000 this season. Washington’s agent, Alvin Keels, and the Jets are discussing a new deal believed to be in the area of $3-4 million a year.
“The main thing that’s a positive is we both want to get something done,” Washington said. “The Jets, they’ve been expressive about wanting to get something done. I don’t want to get into details, but I believe things will work out for the best.”
Washington has taken part in the team’s offseason workout program unlike his backfield mate, Thomas Jones. Jones is also looking for a new deal.
Jones is in the third year of a four-year deal, which he signed when he was traded from the Bears. His base salary this coming season is $900,000, but the overall value of his contract is $20 million. Jones led the AFC in rushing last season with 1,312 yards.
The Jets have their first mini-camp at the end of next week and it will be interesting to see whether Jones participates.
Washington said he has not spoken with Jones, but hopes his running mate is back soon. If Jones’ situation worsens to the point of him missing time next season, Washington believes he can be the team’s primary runner.
“I absolutely feel I can do that,” Washington said. “I would love to have Thomas here. What we have built over the last two years is something that we can really have momentum going forward on. I love having him here. If things don’t work out, which I believe it will work out, absolutely I feel that way.”
The 26-year-old made the Pro Bowl last season, averaging 25.6 yards per kick return and scoring nine combined return, rushing and receiving touchdowns.
Washington said he’s optimistic a new contract will be done but he’s not putting a time frame on it.
“You don’t want to rush anything at all and not get what you deserve,” he said. “There’s no time frame. I’m patient. They’re patient. We’re just looking forward to taking care of this business off the field and I can go on the field and perform well. One thing I do know is I’ll be here working out with this team every single day I get a chance.”
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The Jets’ brief flirtation with Jay Cutler ended quickly when the Broncos shipped the quarterback to Chicago. Now the job is up for grabs between Kellen Clemens and Brett Ratliff.
Clemens, in his fourth year with the Jets, said yesterday he believes he’ll win the job.
“It’s my full expectation to be under center opening day,” Clemens said.