clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Maurice Jones-Drew Trade: 'Maurice Is A Jaguar,' Says Gene Smith

By Adam Stites
May 6, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey talks with general manager Gene Smith before the start of rookie mini camp at Florida Blue Health & Wellness Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE
May 6, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey talks with general manager Gene Smith before the start of rookie mini camp at Florida Blue Health & Wellness Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

On Wednesday, or day 35 of the Maurice Jones-Drew holdout that has seen the NFL's leading rusher miss each of the first three preseason games and will soon include the fourth and final game, general manager Gene Smith spoke with the media at the Jaguars kickoff luncheon and made it clear that he has no intention of trading the running back.

"Maurice is a Jaguar," Gene Smith told Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union before bluntly answering "No," when asked if he was considering trading the running back. When asked if he would still have the same conviction if Jones-Drew's holdout continued 10 months longer, he again responded, "Maurice is a Jaguar."

While there have been reports that Jones-Drew wouldn't mind being traded (a report that Jones-Drew himself disputed), the Jaguars have been adamant that there will be no trade involving the three-time Pro Bowler.

When owner Shahid Khan was asked about the possibility of a trade, he shrugged responsibility of the matter to the football minds, telling Stellino, "I have no idea. Enough has been said about that. You ought to ask Gene on that. Certainly I wouldn't be engaged in that anyway.''

The quotes come two days after comments from Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey's assertion that Rashad Jennings will be the starting running back for the team on Week 1.

More From Big Cat Country