ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the New York Jets will release running back Thomas Jones on March 5.  The news leaves the well traveled Jones (Arizona, Tampa Bay, Chicago, and New York) looking for a new organization.  The 31 year old soon to be free agent will likely serve in a complimentary role for whichever team picks him up.   While 31 is considered ancient for running backs, Jones is a relatively “young” 31 due to serving back up duties early in his career and also from consistently being in two running back systems in which he split carries.  The move stems from the two parties in ability to restructure Jones’ contract, which included a 3.1 million dollar roster bonus as well as $900,000 base salary.

From the outside, the move may seem like a surprise as Jones posted career bests with 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns.  These are Pro-Bowl caliber numbers and the 4 million he costs the Jets is relatively cheap for a running back putting up those stats, but for NFL analysts and the Jets’ faithful the move does not come as surprise.  Jones is a very solid NFL back who benefited from an outstanding offensive line as well as a run heavy offense that protected rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez.  Jones relies more on a grind it out style rather than explosive, tackle breaking runs.  The theory from Jets camp might be that Jones’ impressive stats were more of a result from the Jets offensive scheme and personnel around Jones, rather Jones’ abilities as a running back.  Additionally, Jones broke down toward the end of last season and in the playoffs as a balky knee and the fatigue of a long season set in.  Rookie Shonn Green took over as the primary backed and exploded with two 100 yard games in the postseason.  These factors plus Jones’ unwillingness to restructure his deal to the Jets liking made him expendable.  The emotions out of Jets fans I talked to is that the move is necessary, but Jones’ time was definitely appreciated and he will be missed.

Fantasy wise, this move shakes up the running back depth chart.  Jones’ draft position will largely coincide with the situation he arrives in with his new organization, but it will no doubt take a fall after the Jets release him.  He is not likely to be the feature back in a new system and he will not benefit from the Jets’ personnel or run-heavy scheme.  If Jones splits carries, he will find it hard to produce as his grind it out style is only effective with close to 20 carries a game.  Without the Jets offensive line to run behind, Jones is likely to struggle as he needs holes to run behind with his lack of speed and explosiveness.  For Greene, whose stock was already on the rise after his impressive playoffs, his stock goes through the roof.  He is now almost for certain the go-to back in the Jets system, and boasts the combination of speed and power to excel in the system.  Fantasy owners will know more by draft day, but the only thing that could hurt Greene’s status is the signing or drafting of another running back.  A new running back could take away touches from Greene, but as previously mentioned the Jets run heavy system will ensure Greene gets his hands on the ball enough to produce monster numbers.  The move also shows the Jets have confidence in the return of Leon Washington after a brutal broken leg cut his season short.  Washington, a back who seems to be on the Add/Drop list every week during Fantasy season, will have fantasy value with his explosiveness out of the backfield and receiving skills.  As with all players coming off injuries, owners should watch Washington’s training camp and preseason to see if he is able to return to form.