Maurice Jones-Drew is about to learn just how much he is valued in the NFL. The free agent market has never been kind to veteran running backs and that likely will not change in 2014. Players like Michael Turner were forced to retire after no team took interest in him following a release from the Atlanta Falcons. Could Jones-Drew have the same fate?
The Jacksonville Jaguars have said they intend to let Jones-Drew test out the market which opens on Tuesday, but have not ruled out bringing him to play behind a younger player. The two sides have been in contact and the Florida Times-Union reports the team is offering a two-year deal for the running back to return. Jones-Drew has plenty of wear and tear on his body so the fact that he was even offered a multi-year deal is huge. It seems unlikely anyone will offer three years, so he would be wise to take the contract from Jacksonville if it stands.
While a return to Jacksonville seems like a viable option, the New York Jets are also thinking about taking on the running back. The New York Daily News reports the Jets are taking a serious interest in Jones-Drew as Manish Mehta notes the team is looking to return to a run-first style offense to help take the pressure off Geno Smith or whoever the starting quarterback is.
In 2013, the Jets operated under a three-man rotation with Mike Goodson seeing time as Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell were the primary runners. No one did anything truly noteworthy on the field, but neither did the Jets offense in general. Jones-Drew could be a strong upgrade for the team if he can return to the field healthy. Last year he suffered from a foot injury, putting up lows in rushing yards and yards per carry. There are certainly more impressive options on the free agent market, but Jones-Drew could be the cheapest available.
Another option for the running back could be the San Francisco 49ers. The jury is still out on whether or not Frank Gore will return. The veteran is a heavy cap hit and the 49ers could use the spare change. LaMichael James is expected to have an increased role as Marcus Lattimore will also be healthy enough to play in 2014. San Francisco does not really have a need for Jones-Drew, but he could be a reliable backup if the team releases players.
Jones-Drew has several options for a player that has not looked like a starting running back for a few years. Age and health do not work in his favor, so a return to Jacksonville might be the best option.
