#29 Leon Washington was a 4th round pick in 2006. At the end of 05' Herm Edwards was effectively traded to the Chiefs and we received this pick that was used on Washington. He has been an excellent value contributing on offense and special teams. He deserves a modest contact extension, but his name being mentioned with someone like Maurice Jones-Drew is ridiculous. Lets break it down.
MJD has averaged 1300 yards rushing/receiving since his rookie year which was also 06'. He has proven to be an every down back who can run up the middle. He had over 500 yards receiving last year and is a true dual threat. The Jaguars dismissed Fred Taylor and gave MJD a proper contract extension.
On the other hand, Neon Leon had approximately 900 yards rushing/receiving his rookie season, and his numbers have declined since then in these categories. He has emerged as a pro-bowl special teams player and can change a game in one play. Punt returners don't get 6 million a season. Washington should accept a modest raise from 500 thousand to maybe 1.5 a year. A four year 6 or 7 million dollar deal with 2 to 3 million signing bonus is fair.
If Leon wants his 25 million dollar pay day he needs to show this year that he can put up at least 1,000 yards on the ground and 500 catching the ball. He needs over 200 carries and to prove he can take the pounding. He simply has not shown enough. Until he takes Thomas Jones starting job this organization is crazy to pay him.
I have faith in Mr washington. I'm not saying he can't be the next Brian Westbrook... but I need to see some proof before he gets paid.
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