"Thomas Jones' productive marriage with the Jets appears headed for divorce.

Speaking yesterday at the scouting combine, Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum made it sound as if Jones soon will join LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook on the list of prominent veteran running backs forced to the unemployment line this month.

"We are getting closer to a decision there, but nothing has been finalized yet," Tannenbaum said. "All I can say is we were fortunate we traded for him three years ago."

Releasing the 31-year-old Jones before the start of free agency on Friday would likely based more on money than his production.

Jones ran for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, but is due $5.8 million in bonus money and base salary next season. That's considered too rich for the Jets -- even in an uncapped year -- in light of the emergence of Shonn Greene and the expected return of Leon Washington.

Tannenbaum met at the combine with Jones' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, about Jones' willingness to accept a pay cut to return, but it does not appear they could reach an agreement.

Tannenbaum applauded Jones' three-year stint with the Jets, during which he averaged a healthy 4.1 yards on 931 carries while scoring 28 TDs in 48 games.

"He has done a lot of great things for us on the field and even more off the field," Tannenbaum said. "He's really been our leader, a tireless worker. He's a really good player and a better person.""