Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Gene Smith confirmed that starting running back Maurice Jones-Drew wants a new contract. Jones-Drew had a career year in 2011 by leading the league and rushing and feels that he should be rewarded.
However, Smith has no plans to renegotiate a new deal with Jones-Drew since he is currently under contract for another two seasons, and Smith expects Jones-Drew to fulfill the rest of his contract.
Jones-Drew signed a five-year deal worth $31 million back in 2009 and is expected to make $4.95 million this upcoming season. That amount is much less than other running backs in the league, and Jones-Drew wants to be paid in a similar fashion.
A tipping point could come on Tuesday when the Jaguars have a mandatory three-day mini-camp, and if Jones-Drew skips out on those he will be fined $60,000. Smith expects all players under contract to attend, but he acknowledges that it is up to Jones-Drew if he wants to attend.
For more on the Jags, head over to Jacksonville Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.
