FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 11/13/2009 11:47am et

Gene Frenette, of the Florida Times-Union, reports New York Jets RB Leon Washington said he is optimistic about being ready to play next season. "I'm reasonably optimistic I'll be good to go by the start of the 2010 season. When the team gets back [for offseason workouts] in March, it's my goal to be moving around pretty good," Washington said.

The Huddle Take: The long-term plan for 2010 likely involved Washington and Shonn Greene sharing the Jets' workload, with the aging Thomas Jones the odd man out as his contract became less team-friendly. However, Jones' success and Leon's injury might have put a crimp in those plans. And then there's always Washington's contract situation which could further muddy the waters. Long story short, it will be an interesting offseason for the Jets' backfield.

Posted: 10/26/2009 4:40pm et

The Associated Press reports the New York Jets placed RB Leon Washington (fibula) on the Injured Reserve List Monday, Oct. 26. He underwent season-ending surgery in which a rod was inserted into his broken right leg. The team is expecting Washington to make a full recovery.

The Huddle Take: Hopefully Washington will indeed make a full recovery and will be at full speed next season, for he is one of the most exciting players in the National Football League. Look for Shonn Greene to get heavy interest on the waiver wire of just about every Fantasy Football league in America.

Posted: 10/26/2009 12:37pm et

Dave Hutchinson, of The Star-Ledger, reports New York Jets RB Leon Washington, who is earning $535,000 in the final year of his current deal, took out a Lloyds of London insurance policy at the start of the season to protect against injury.

The Huddle Take: Washington and the Jets have been dancing around a contract extension for some time without reaching a deal; while the injury might complicate matters, the insurance policy should help Washington get by financially.

Posted: 10/26/2009 12:27pm et

Updating previous reports, Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports New York Jets RB Leon Washington underwent emergency surgery Sunday, Oct. 25, to repair a compound fracture of his right fibula.

The Huddle Take: While Washington's season is apparently over, the Jets are reportedly waiting on moving him to injured reserve. Rookie Shonn Greene should see an uptick in carries with Washington out for the foreseeable future.

Posted: 10/25/2009 10:33pm et

The New York Daily News, reports New York Jets RB Leon Washington (leg) suffered a broken right leg during the team's Week 7 game. He was taken to a hospital in Oakland, Calif., where it is believed surgery will be performed. It is believed Washington suffered a serious fracture.

The Huddle Take: Tragic news for Leon Washington and the Jets as it is believed that this injury is a season-ender for the versatile running back. The good news for the Jets is the appearance of rookie Shonn Greene who had a tremendous showing against the Raiders by rushing for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns on 19 carries in the game. Greene will likely be the top waiver wire pickup for this week in fantasy leagues.

Posted: 9/10/2009 5:08pm et

Newsday's Rod Boone reports New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum does not expect to have a contract extension in place with RB Leon Washington before the start of the regular season. The team reportedly increased their offer to $5 million per year, and Washington will miss free agency if the NFL has an uncapped year in 2010.

The Huddle Take: Washington's standout play during the preseason fueled speculation that the Jets would pony up for a contract extension. Now it looks as if Leon will carry that motivation into the regular season.

Posted: 8/26/2009 10:28am et

Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports nothing is imminent in regards to the New York Jets signing RB Leon Washington to a long-term contract extension. The team is still trying to sign Washington. However, it is believed both sides have not spoken in about two weeks. The Jets have an offer on the table that includes $10 million in guarantees, sources said. Even though the talks have hit a standstill, it would be a surprise if negotiations don't resume before the start of the season.

The Huddle Take: Washington, for his part, has let his preseason play speak for him. And with Shonn Greene lined up as the heir apparent to Thomas Jones in what is expected to be Rex Ryan's power running game, $10 mil guaranteed doesn't sound like a bad deal for Leon.

Posted: 8/12/2009 12:23pm et

Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports the New York Jets have increased their offer to RB Leon Washington considerably. According to sources, the Jets have an offer on the table that averages $4.5 million a year. Washington is believed to be seeking $6 million per year. However, if the Jets go higher than $5 million, they'd be paying him more than RB Thomas Jones, the team's starting tailback.

The Huddle Take: There are already rumors that the Jets are shopping Jones, who is also asking for a reworked contract. And with Shonn Greene added via the draft, it's clear the future of the Jets' backfield does not include Jones. Washington, however, would offer a nice complement to Greene; how much the Jets are willing to pay a back who projects to be part of a committee remains to be seen.

Posted: 7/31/2009 2:19pm et

NewYorkJets.comreports New York Jets RB Leon Washington was present for practice Friday, July 31. He did not report for training camp on time Thursday, July 30. There is no information about his contract status.

The Huddle Take: Washington was probably spurred into reporting by the fact fellow RB Thomas Jones reported earlier. Both will be used quite heavily this season. Early indications are the Jets will go with Kellen Clemens as the No. 1 QB, with rookie Mark Sanchez as the No. 2. Neither with fill opposing defenses with fear of their arm, so Jones and Washington should tote the rock a lot this season.

Posted: 7/29/2009 4:17pm et

Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports Alvin Keels, agent for New York Jets RB Leon Washington, is scheduled to meet face-to-face with Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum Wednesday, July 29, to continue discussions about a new deal for Washington.

The Huddle Take: It sounds as if this situation is nearing resolution, with the Jets locking up Washington via a new deal.