Yardbarker: Leon Washington

LT2 Officially a Jet

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:02:18 -0500

After weeks of speculation, LaDainian Tomlinson is finally a New York Jet. Why am I not turning cartwheels? Perhaps because I’m unable to set the clock back four years ago? Tomlinson will back up Shonn Greene and will rotate in with Leon Washington….or, pretty much fill the exact same role that Thomas Jones would have done with the same effectiveness. The move makes little sense and, when you throw in the two year contract, it’s downright unfathomable. Of course, Tomlinson will not ever see that second year, but the whole thing reeks as a slap in the face to Jones who, despite his grumblings about a new contract the past couple of years, was a good soldier and deserved a better fate. Make no mistake: The Jets can be a petty organization at times. Their headline grabbing machinations have, in some cases, improved the team. However, the real motive behind these acts is to sell their ridiculous Personal Seat Licenses to fund the new stadium. I hope it ends up being worth it for them, but their reputation suffers a little more every year with each new disgruntled former member speaking out against them. In other news, the Jets also signed S Brodney Pool to fill the void left by Kerry Rhodes. The former Brown had four interceptions last season to go with one sack.

Jets sign Tomlinson…but are they better off?

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:15:57 -0500

” LaDainian Tomlinson, the eighth-leading rusher in NFL history with 12,490 yards, signed a two-year contract worth $5.1 million with an escalator to $5.6 million, ESPN reported first on Sunday. A league source told the Star Tribune the Vikings made a similar offer.”

Tomlinson decided to sign with New York because of the familiarity and the larger role he would have in the Jets offense. The Jets offense is run by former Chargers assistant Brian Schottenheimer. Thomas Jones is a year older than LT but has 600 fewer carries and is coming off a 1400-yard season.

Even though he is a Hall-Of-Fame back his carries and rushing yards have declined each season since 06-07. His production has tailed off due to injuries and the Chargers shifting into a pass-first offense.

LT is coming off a year where he set career lows in carries (223), yards (730), yards per carry (3.3), receptions (20), receiving yards (154) and it was the second time since his rookie season he failed to record a receiving touchdown. Jones, did not want to pay-cut and the Jets did not want to pay him the roster bonus he was due. Jones would have made $5.8 million this season with the Jets.

If Leon Washington does not recover from his injury then LT will be the primary third down back. He also can leave the team because he is a restricted free agent.Tomlinson had 12 touchdowns last season, 11 of them came from 10 yards or less. Half of them were from the one yard line which shows he can still be an effective goal line back.

Shonn Greene is expected to carry a heavy workload going into his second season. Greene rushed for 304 yards in 3 post-season games and should learn a lot from the former Charger. Even though the Jets may be paying less for LT the combo of Jones-Greene has been very effective. Behind a top offensive line and run first mentality the Jets led the NFL with 172.2 rushing yards per game. Lets hope we are getting a steal and not a “washed up” running back.

LaDanian Tomlinson Headed To New York Jets

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:39:46 -0500

ESPN is reporting that LaDanian Tomlinson and the New York Jets have agreed on a two year contract. Tomlinson had previously visited the Minnesota Vikings last Thursday, spent friday in New York, and flew home to San Diego on Saturday. The Jets released pro bowl running back Thomas Jones earlier this off season, Tomlinson certainly fits the bill as the third piece in the Jets three headed rushing attack, along with Shonn Greene, and Leon Washington. Related posts:New York Jets to land LaDainian Tomlinson soon? Jets make it official with Jones LaDainian Tomlinson to meet with Minnesota Vikings

Jets the Best Landing Spot for LaDainian?

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:00:00 -0500

Tomlinson is entering day two in New York visiting with Jets officials after leaving Minnesota without a contract offer. The Jets will continue to "woo" the free agent running back today, but are the Jets the best suited for LT? To me, the signing would not make very much sense. The New York Jets are just days separated from releasing their leading rusher of the last three years in Thomas Jones (who is now a Kansas City Chief) , and are about to bring in a running back with much more wear on his tires than Jones. That is a bad move not only for the Jets, but for Tomlinson as well. The Jets releasing of Jones may have had something to do with him being due a roster bonus of $3 million dollars bringing his total price tag for 2010 to $5.8 million, but it had more to do with the youth and talent they had sitting behind Jones. Shonn Greene and Leon Washington were the main factors in Thomas Jones being shown the door in New York. Washington was well on his way to his best season in 2009 before fracturing his fibula, while Greene found his spark in the post-season as he scored the game-winning touchdown in the opening round against the Bengals. Tomlinson, who may come in at a price slightly lower than Jones, it won't be by much. The Jets will end up overpaying for an over-the-hill running back, when they had one on the roster in Jones who had, in recent years, outperformed Tomlinson on the field, and there is nothing to suggest anything different to take place in 2010. Tomlinson has been a work horse throughout his career, and those effects have been beginning to show. Meanwhile, Jones has been putting together consistent years, without having the overall carries to even compete with Tomlinson, making him much less susceptible to the drop-off that Tomlinson suffered. Don't get me wrong, Tomlinson should consider it a privilege to be able to sign with two playoff caliber teams such as the Jets or Vikings, but why would he choose the Jets over the Vikings is what strikes me? The connection may come with offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer, who worked with Tomlinson during their time in San Diego. However, if Tomlinson is looking to win while getting his playing time, he should hop on the next flight back to Minnesota and sign on that dotted line. With the presence of Shonn Greene and Leon Washington, there is no way that Tomlinson will get the title of being the "1A" back in New York that he was promised in Minnesota. While Tomlinson is certainly on his way to the Hall of Fame, and he has been one of my favorite players to watch, his time is coming to a close. He just doesn't possess the same attributes that made him that high caliber player, and would find himself struggling for carries behind Greene and Washington. It would serve him better to take the "1A" spot behind Adrian Peterson and finally get himself a Super Bowl. Tomlinson has been rumored to have visits scheduled with Philadelphia and New Orleans should he leave New York without a contract, but neither of those teams will be making an offer serious enough to compete with the Jets or Vikings. Although, the Eagles could probably use him the most out of all four of the teams mentioned.

San Francisco interested in adding Leon Washington to the mix?

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:06:43 -0500

Mark this down as conjecture at this point, but based on various reports around the league, the 49ers have begun to show interest in signing restricted free agent running back Leon Washington (Jets) to a offer sheet in the near future. Washington was only tendered with a second round offer, and as such he could be seen as an intriguing option for teams in need of a speedy runner offensively and a talented return man on special teams. San Francisco certainly fits that bill, and while Washington’s nasty leg injury from last season may scare off a few potential suitors, the sacrifice of a second round pick for a player who has proven himself to be a very dangerous weapon may be worth the risk. At this point, neither side has openly spoken with the other, but that could change as the week progresses, with teams beginning to focus more on the restricted free agent market and players who have been let go as a result of other signings. As always, we’ll keep you posted when anything new hits the wire. Related posts:Washington to tender Campbell; trade in the works? Sproles had planned visits to St. Louis, Philly, and Kansas City Buffalo Bills interested in Joey Porter

San Francisco interested in adding Leon Washington?

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:06:43 -0500

Mark this down as conjecture at this point, but based on various reports around the league, the 49ers have begun to show interest in signing... [[ Click here to read more or visit FanSided.com ]]

RFAs are bad strategy for 49ers

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:56:03 -0500

There have been some names thrown out there of players - such as Jared Gaither and Leon Washington - that the 49ers might be pursuing in free agency. But if the player is a restricted free agent, it just doesn't make sense for the 49ers to go strong after a player.]]> After all, teams have to pay double for restricted free agents.

For the 49ers to sign a restricted free agent, they must first sign the player to an offer sheet that the player's current team is unwilling to match. That means that the 49ers would have to give the player a contract that is so far over market value that it prevents the team that knows that player the best from matching the terms of the contract.

After the 49ers have paid so much in salary to scare the team from matching the contract, the 49ers then must pay again in the form of a draft pick. That does not seem like good strategy for a team that wants to build through the draft and pour its resources into retaining its own players with contract extensions.

So it should be no surprise that the 49ers, from what I've heard, have not shown interest in Gaither or Washington at this point in the free-agent process.

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Are the 49ers interested in Leon Washington?

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:41:32 -0500

It is being reported that the 49ers are interested in Leon Washington. The 5’8 200 pound running back is a restricted free agent and has been tendered with a second round contract. That means if the 49ers do indeed sign him to an offer sheet, the Jets could match it, or the 49ers would have [...]

Leon Washington To Niners Rumors

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:41:01 -0500

There are rumors going around today that the San Francisco 49ers are thinking of signing New York Jets running back Leon Washington to a contract. Why? I’m not sure but the rumors are apparently gaining steam, at least according to ESPN 1320 in Sacramento. ESPN1320: Leon Washington rumors tied to the 49ers are heating up. They would have to give up a second rounder to get him. Injuries make it risky. Profootballtalk.com also talks about the rumor saying the two sides have talked but no official visits have been setup. What that tells me is that the rumors aren’t exactly heating up. Agents and players are talking plenty right now, till an official visit is set up I wouldn’t necessarily call it a rumor that’s heating up. Now my question is why would the 49ers be interested in Washington? I know they’re looking for a change of back, especially a third down back. During Leon’s career he’s filled that roll quite well, as he caught 47 passes in the 2008 season. He had 15 in the first seven games of 2009 before he suffered a season ending injury. So yea, he can provide the Niners what they want, if he returns healthy. Washington will be 28 before the season started, not old but also not too young. Being a leg fracture he should be able to fully heal, but how effective will he be in his first season back? Matter fact, how healthy is he now? His health his my main concern with making this move, especially when you consider the Niners would have to give up their second round pick. Granted they do have two first rounders, which could lessen the loss of a pick, but still they’ve got some major picks to help in the turn around of this franchise. If I was the Niners and willing to give up a draft pick in a free agent signing, I’d revisit the possibility of Darren Sproles. He’s healthy, a change of pace back and you know what you’ll be getting. He’ll come at a steeper price but he can help the team more. Another option would be to use one of those first round draft picks on a running back like C.J. Spiller. But yea if it was me I’d stay of Washington till he proves he’s healthy, especially at what he’ll cost a team. The ‘Niners can easily take the NFC West and they need to add pieces that they know will contribute. With Washington who knows what you’ll get. addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fmysportsrumors.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F03%2F09%2Fleon-washington-to-niners-rumors%2F'; addthis_title = 'Leon+Washington+To+Niners+Rumors'; addthis_pub = '';

Could Leon Washington End Up In New England?

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:20:00 -0500

The New York Post is rumoring that the Patriots could be interested in New York Jets restricted free agent, Leon Washington. The Post cites "two NFL observers" as the source. Washington is coming off of a fractured fibula in the 2009 season. He was averaging numbers that would have given him his best season as a pro, before it was cut short. It is a move that would make sense for a couple of reasons. The Patriots are in need of a running back, and they've gotten to see Washington up close and personal twice a year for the past four years. The cost to get Washington, being as he is a restricted free agent, would be a second round pick. The Patriots have three of those in April's draft. However, would the Jets be willing to part ways with Washington? It is highly believed that the Jets cut their leading rusher for the past three years in Thomas Jones because Washington is such a capable back, along with last year's rookie stand out, Shonn Greene. If you're the Jets, you've got to consider this for a second round pick. Washington was a fourth rounder in 2006, but with many quality running backs available in the 2010 Draft, it's a move the Jets should strongly consider should the Patriots sign Washington to an offer sheet.

Jets fail to give 1st rd tender to Washington

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:12:38 -0500

For those who were waiting for the Jets to decide on a third RB behind Shonn Greene and Leon Washington, just hold tight… In another move in what is starting to become a real life soap opera, the Jets gave a second round tender offer of $1.759 million to Leon Washington and not a first round [...]

Jets Place Second Round Tender on Leon Washington

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:52:37 -0500

The Jets have placed a second round tender on fan favorite running back and kick returner Leon Washington. The explosive back missed the second half of the 2009 season due to a broken leg. Washington’s agent, Alvin Keels, said, “I expect there to be a market for Leon during free agency and would say his return [...]

Leon Tendered With 2nd Round

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:33:28 -0500

Alvin Keels the 'agent' for Leon Washington has confirmed via Twitter that the Jets have indeed placed a 2nd round tender on Leon Washington and he fully expects there to be a market for his client. He put the odds of Leon returning to Jets as 50/50 at best..... The Jets have decided to place the 2nd rounder tender on client Leon Washington. I expect there to be a market for Leon during free agency and would say his return to the Jets will be 50/50 at best at this point

Twitter: Cimini & Keels talk Washington

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:19:10 -0500

Rich Cimini confirmed via Twitter that the Jets have placed a second round tender on Leon Washington. This comes after Alvin Keels, Washington’s agent, made the announcement on his Twitter page. Leon Washington’s agent confirms our report from last week: Jets have tendered him at 2nd-round level. I then decided to take a stroll over to Keel’s Twitter page and found [...]

Leon Washington Out for the Season With a Broken Leg

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:50:59 -0500

More photos » by Kevin Rivoli - AP Browse more photos » Leon Washington's season is over after breaking his right leg today in Oakland. Jets RB Leon washington is out for the season after breaking his right leg today against the Raiders. He was taken to a local hospital, where it's believed surgery will be performed. This is believed to be a serious fracture. An unidentified player landed on Washington's leg as he went down awkwardly, one of those cover-your-eyes plays. Teammates immediately motioned to the sideline for medical help. This one hurts badly. I don't doubt the Jets will continue to have an excellent running game considering their offensive line and duo of Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene. Neither is a game changer like Washington, though. He's the kind of guy defenses have to game plan around. He's a great decoy who always draws attention even when he's not getting the ball, which opens things up for others. You can split him out to receiver if you want. Neither Greene nor Jones is as dynamic of a threat. Where do the Jets go from here? Greene will replace him as the second back. He's obviously a different player, but Sunday showed a glimpse of what he will become. I'm also guessing Danny Woodhead shifts back to running back. He's not going to be needed much at receiver anymore with Jerricho Cotchery and Brad Smith coming back and David Clowney playing well. Perhaps the Jets try and turn him into a similarly versatile, speedy weapon. He has a lot of athletic ability. In what ways do you see this horrible news affecting the Jets?