Voluntary conditioning sessions began yesterday. Almost everyone showed up and took part in this part of the off season program. There was one player who was missing though. Safety Reshad Jones who let the team in interceptions last year, and isn't happy with his contract situation. (An unwise business decision IMHO) The good news is that according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald Jones had a change of heart and will be present at OTAs. That change of heart is said to come from a promise that Dolphins management made to his agent Joe Segal.
Jones holding out is actually surprising to me personally. He seems like a humble, hard working guy. Holding out feels out of character for Reshad. I believe he should come to work everyday, like he has been doing and the money will eventually come. Just ask Paul Soliai for example. Reshad is really good, but hasn't proven he is great just yet. If he sat out we would suffer a hit in the secondary, no doubt. On the other hand sitting out dosen't help his cause. From a business standpoint it will only make him look immature, and childish in the eyes of other teams. In addition the NFL is a show me league where you need to prove you can be consistent and the tape doesn't lie. It could be said right now Reshad is a one year wonder playing for a contract. He is not only playing for the Miami Dolphins but all 32 teams. I'm sure if he would've sat out ( Unlikely) some team would still sign him to a long term contract next year. The difference is that by playing and proving to be consistent that contract can be worth up to twice as much. If he wants money he made a wise decision showing up.
A decision he made because of some assurances. Assurances that were made by GM Jeff Ireland.
According to Salguero late last night Ireland was on the phone working hard to reach a resolution. After all this organization is very self conscious of their image.HC Joe Philbin hates answering questions about holdouts. He would rather focus on the guys that are present. As it should be. Jeff Ireland seems to have made a guarantee that if Jones shows up to camp he would open contract talks rather soon. I think he handled the situation ideally as it gives the organization time and space to work. The closer the season is the less likely Reshad is to hold out. This also gives Miami the opportunity to reassure them selves their player can show consistency and keep performing at the highest level before paying him big money.Personally if we go by last season Jones is worth the money. However I'm not ready to commit just yet.Do it for a while longer and I would be more than happy to open Rosse's checkbook. This is the stance the Fins are taking, and it worked as their player is showing up to work..
No comments:
Post a Comment