Jan. 1, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Field. Jacksonville defeated Indianapolis 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-US PRESSWIRE
The Jacksonville Jaguars and star running back Maurice Jones-Drew remain at a standstill. Jones-Drew has yet to report to the Jaguars as he holds out looking for a big money, long-term contract. The Jaguars seem to be moving forward without Jones-Drew and have even named Rashad Jennings the team’s starting running back.
Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union and ESPN’s Adam Schefter both believe the holdout will go a few weeks into the season so would the Jaguars consider trading Jones-Drew?
Well, if you ask Jaguars general manager Gene Smith, the answer is a resounding “No.”
“Maurice is a Jaguar,” Smith told Stellino.
Jones-Drew would be wise to report to the Jaguars as soon as possible. Not only does reporting to the team better his chances of receiving a long-term deal but it also gets him re-acclimated to NFL speed as well as avoiding fines from the team. Holdouts haven’t always worked out for the players missing time.
You can’t replace the valuable time around your teammates. Jones-Drew missing this time does a lot more than hit his check book. It hurts the team chemistry and takes focus away from the players who are in camp and working hard.
With Jones-Drew’s absence, the Jaguars will rely heavily on second-year quarterback Blaine Gabbert. It could be an interesting season in Jacksonville. If Gabbert struggles early and Jones-Drew is not with the team, expect to see a lot more of these shirts around the stadium.
July 27, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars fan Ben Smith covers part of his shirt referencing Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who is not playing due to a contract dispute, during the first afternoon of training camp practice at Florida Blue Health
