Maurice Jones-Drew has yet to attend a practice this offseason and, as Alfie said earlier today, if that is to continue through the mandatory mini-camp that is set to occur the next three days, it will likely come with a hefty fine. According to Gene Smith, Jones-Drew is making it known to the Jaguars that he wants a re-negotiation of the contract he signed in 2009. A contract that still has two more seasons until its expiration.
But while Jones-Drew is making it known that he wants a new deal, the Jaguars are making it known that they have no intention of giving one to the three-time Pro Bowler. During an address with Jacksonville media today, Gene Smith told reporters, "Maurice has expressed that he would like to renegotiate. We have expressed that we feel he has a contract with two years left. Our expectation with any player under contract is to fulfill their obligation. He has two years remaining."
Of course, any time a general manager expresses that they expect a player to "fulfill the obligation" of their contract, it is always an interesting expression of hypocrisy. This particular statement comes just days after the Jaguars terminated the contract of Aaron Kampman who had two years left on his deal.
So is the nature of the beast. The teams have all the leverage and while they expect players to honor their deals (players that truly have no choice but to do so), the teams have little, to no, obligation to honor their sides of the deal.
So ultimately, as expected, Jones-Drew is unlikely to get the contract he desires this offseason. A move that I agree with...for now.