"Mike Tannenbaum hopes to have Thomas Jones back next season - but at the Jets' price.

The GM said Thursday that the running back's future with the team hinges on "economic issues."

Considering that Jones is due a $3 million roster bonus in March, the Jets may not want to pay that to bring back their starting running back. Jones, 31, is due to make a total of $5.8 million in the final year of his deal, including the bonus.

"We expect T.J. to be back," Tannenbaum said. "There are some economic issues that obviously have to be looked at over the next month but we hope that he is back, and he's done a lot for our team, both on and off the field. We have a month to see how that plays out, but again we hope to have him back."

Jones posted career highs in rushing yards (1,402) and touchdowns (14) this season, and could be seeking a contract extension. He posted those numbers after sitting out some voluntary offseason workouts, reportedly over his unhappiness with his contract, but faded in the playoffs with the emergence of rookie Shonn Greene.

Perhaps hampered by a knee injury, he rushed for no more than 42 yards in any of the Jets' three postseason games. Greene rushed for 135 yards and 128 yards in wins over the Bengals and Chargers before suffering a rib injury in the AFC Championship Game and finishing with only 41 yards on 10 carries.

Greene likely will have a bigger role come September. That could be a hard pill to swallow for Jones, a veteran who has been a vocal leader on the team.

Still, the Jets' offseason buying power will likely be severely restricted if next season is played without a salary cap. If the current collective bargaining agreement is not extended, the Jets will be able to sign a free agent only if they lose one of their own since they finished among the NFL's top eight teams this season."