Alfred Morris did not expect to be participating in a competition to start at running back, but that is now the case after the Washington Redskins drafted Matt Jones this offseason. Early returns on Jones are positive as he was a standout during OTAs and minicamp. Intending on competing for the starting spot, does the presence of Jones hurt Morris' contract status?
Morris is entering the final year of his contract. According to the Washington Post, the pressure is on the running back to prove he is not replaceable as Jones puts the heat on the veteran. Morris told the media that he will not let the idea of a contract year distract him from improving and being productive.
"I could care less, honestly," Jones said, via CSN Washington. "I approach every year the same. I'm a running back so I'll be running the ball, blocking, catching it. I don't even think about next year. I know I'll get that question a lot and I kind of dread it this year but it is what it is. I'm keeping things like I did them my first, second, third years. That's the same way I approach this fourth year."
Morris put together a sensational rookie year with 1,613 yards, but has since leveled out which has some NFL sources believing the Redskins will not hesitate to let him walk away next season. The presence of Jones does hurt his ability to get a favorable pay day from the team. Jones made it clear that he wants to put pressure on Morris and do everything he can to be the better running back in 2015.
"I'm just grinding every day to be the starter," Jones said, per the Washington Post. "I will put some pressure on Alfred [Morris]."
Robert Griffin III could be facing similar pressure. There is not a quarterback competition taking place in Washington, but that does not guarantee the quarterback's future in beyond this season after his fifth-year option was picked up. Head coach Jay Gruden told the media that both Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy are eager to start for the team. If either player begins to look like the real deal, the Redskins might have no issues moving on from the former first-round pick next season. Cousins and McCoy are fighting for next contracts and will be looking for every possible chance to prove they are worth it.