The New York Jets officially released running back Thomas Jones, as expected, also parting ways with cornerback Donald Strickland.
"I just want to start off by thanking Thomas for everything he's done on and off the field," Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said during a conference call today. "In terms of respect and admiration, I'd put Thomas up on the very short list of guys who've ever been through our program, not only because of what he's done on the field but the leadership he brought as well and the passion he played with."
The release of Jones has angered teammates since there's no salary cap this year and he's coming off a career-high 1,402 rushing season.
Why cut the guy?
"When you factor in all the things that go into it — skill, budget, all the things you have to factor in even with no salary cap this year — you still have to make judgment calls for your roster," Tannenbaum said. "At the end of the day, we felt it was in the best interests of our roster, but it was still a very difficult decision."
Is the door closed on Jones returning?
Not necessarily although it's hard to fathom that Jones would want to come back after being cut.
"Yes, there certainly is a scenario where we would evaluate that," Tannenbaum said. "Right now, he's looking at other opportunities, which we anticipated, and we're doing the same. In our business, I would never rule out anything, but I know right now he's looking at other opportunities."
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Having already sacrificing next year's 3rd for Cromartie [which could be a 2nd] will severely hurt our chances to move up from 29th to land a much needed pass rusher. When Cromartie had all those INTs for SD 2 years ago, the Chargers had a fierce pass rush.
Every team the Jets face this season will be better prepared for Ryan's blitz packages and until Mike T gets it, that is gets a bonafide sack /pass rusher, smart QBs will have success against us.
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Mar 05, 2010
11:34 PM
The only thing it was in the best interest of was the bottom line. What a joke.
Maybe Tannenbaum should've slept on it rather than making his decision 'at the end of the day.'