Bruce Kluckhohn-US PRESSWIRE
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew accrued a massive fine this preseason as he choose to skip it entirely.
In total, the Jaguars could have chosen to fine Jones-Drew up to $1.6 million for the time he missed while lobbying for a new deal. However, there are reports that the Jaguars have chosen to halve that total and fine Jones-Drew $800,000 for missing the entire preseason.
While it is not the full amount allowed, it would still be a sizeable chuck of the $4.45 million he is scheduled to make this season under his current contract that has two years remaining. The fine should serve as a reminder to Jones-Drew that the Jaguars were not pleased with his decision to hold out and may make him think twice before holding out next year if the Jaguars again choose to not negotiate a new contract.
If Jones-Drew has another elite season as the Jaguars top offensive weapon, they may be more willing to negotiate a new deal with their star next offseason when he only has a year left on his deal. After watching the game yesterday, it appears that Jones-Drew will again be a major factor on a Jaguars offense that has improved in the passing game.
The absence did not seem to affect Jones-Drew’s abilities on the field on Sunday. After Week 1 starter Rashad Jennings left the game with a knee injury, Jones-Drew seamlessly slid back into his role as the Jaguars featured running back. Jones-Drew totaled 22 total touches for 95 yards in the Jaguars 26-23 overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings
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