Jags Give Maurice Jones-Drew Another Term

The Jacksonville Jaguars expressed their devotion to running back Maurice Jones-Drew today by giving him a four-year extension worth $32 million ($17.5 guaranteed). In the process, they announced very clearly that his days of sharing the spotlight at the running back position were over. Former teammate Fred Taylor chose to finish his career in New England so MJD is now the Jags’ go-to guy.

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars / Photo: Newscom

With next season (2010) scheduled to have no salary cap, the Jags really could’ve forced Maurice to spend a number of consecutive years as a restricted free agent, something he obviously would’ve wanted to avoid. So, to offer some security and put MJD in a good mood, the team chose to get a deal done now and lock up their top offensive weapon (6,003 all-purpose yards and 40 touchdowns in three seasons). He’ll be a marked man, but Maurice promised a return on their investment:

“The Jaguars didn’t have to do this. They wanted to; they felt that way about me. Some guys get paid and shut it down. That’s not the way I am.”

Now, the verdict is still out on just how MJD will fare touching the ball some 300 times in a season. But at 5′7″ I can tell you he rarely takes a big lick from any defender and he’s built like a bowling ball so he’s more likely to be dishing out the punishment than receiving it. As long as his knees can withstand the extra workload, I think the next four years will find Maurice Jones-Drew at his very best.

Source: Jaguars.com