Jaguars GM David Caldwell told reporters on Friday that he doesn’t expect to get a long-term contract worked out with RB Maurice Jones-Drew before the start of free agency in March.
“I’m not pessimistic at all about it,” Caldwell said, via the Florida Times Union. “I think he’s earned the right to go to free agency. This is his first time. He’s been a great player in this organization. He’s had a great career and he’s earned the right to see what his value is. It’s our right to decide if we want to match it and bring him back. I think that’s kind of where we’re at now.”
Caldwell added that he met with HC Gus Bradley as well as Jones-Drew earlier this week to discuss their situation moving forward.
“Gus and I and Maurice and I had a good conversation yesterday,” Caldwell said. “I think he’ll leave that up to his representation in terms of finding him the best value for his deal.”
Jacksonville has shown at least some interest in the idea of retaining Jones-Drew, but it appears as though it won’t be a market-value contract. While Jones-Drew has been a good player over the course of his career, veteran running backs have not fared well in free agency, which means he may have to accept a similar contract to that of Steven Jackson who received a three-year, $12 million contract with $4 million guaranteed from Atlanta last year.
We have Jones-Drew listed as the No. 60 player in our Top 100 Free Agents list.
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