Jets to Release Thomas Jones This Week

The Thomas Jones era is coming to an end in New York.

The Jets will release the 31-year-old running back, who was due $2.8 million in 2010, as well as a $3 million roster bonus. The Jets fearing that Jones' skills would eventually diminish decided not to risk paying him and get younger at the position.

During the playoffs Shonn Greene stepped up and became the teams new number one running back. He led all NFL running backs with 304 rushing yards in the playoffs, and proved to be a spark for the offense, while Jones disappeared during that crucial stretch.

Fans will miss Jones who ran for more than 1,300 yards in each of his last two seasons with the Jets, however getting younger is a great decision by the Jets. Better to get out of the contract a year early than a year too late.

This will allow the Jets the time to find out if Greene, who was a terrific running back at the University of Iowa, can be their number one back. Leon Washington who is coming off leg sugrery, will be a huge question mark this spring and summer as to whether he can return to the same productive player again.

Look for the Jets to trade up in the draft and select a running back with their first pick in the April draft.