"The Jets announced Monday that they would release running back Thomas Jones when free agency begins Friday. The move seemed inevitable once it became clear that Jones, who will turn 32 before the start of the 2010 season, would not restructure his contract to save the Jets a $3 million roster bonus due next week.

Jones rushed for a career-high 1,402 yards in 2009, carrying the burden for an offense trying to insulate the rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez during the Jets' unexpected run to the American Football Conference championship game.

Jones scored 31 touchdowns in three Jets seasons and was a well-regarded, durable player - he did not miss a game during his Jets tenure. General Manager Mike Tannenbaum said Jones was a positive influence on younger players. But Jones, who has played 10 seasons, wore down toward the end of last season and averaged only 2.6 yards per carry in the playoffs. The rookie Shonn Greene emerged during the postseason as the Jets' next potential starter, and the team also hopes Leon Washington can return from a broken leg."