Maurice Jones-Drew Reportedly Open to Being Traded from Jaguars

Running back Maurice Jones-Drew would not mind a move out of the only NFL home he has ever known, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, following Jaguars owner Shad Khan's recent comments confirming the team's hard-line stance in negotiating a new contract with the team's star.

Schefter brought this to the attention of the world with this tweet:

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In light of Jaguars owner Shad Khan's recent public remarks, Jacksonville's RB Maurice Jones-Drew is now open to being traded, per source.

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"— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2012"

Update: Wednesday, August 22 at 11:40 a.m. ET by Alex Kay

While Jones-Drew and the Jaguars aren't on the best terms right now, the star running back isn't opposed to staying in Jacksonville if owner Shad Khan is willing to make amends. 

According to NFL insider Steve Wyche (via NFL.com's Kevin Patra):

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“After speaking to his agent, Adisa Bakari, [Jones-Drew] is also open to bridging what is becoming a more fractured relationship because of the comments of Khan, not only Tuesday, but late last week,”

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The owner and RB are clearly not getting along right now, but perhaps MoJo is realizing that he has little leverage with two years left on his contract.

Wyche went on to report:

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“The issue is who is going to extend the olive branch if there is going to be a reparation, because Jones-Drew, he is further entrenched in his holdout — he does not like the situation, the fact that Khan is discussing publicly what was supposed to be handled in private.” 

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Even if MJD doesn't like what Shad has to say, he must realize that this is the man cutting his checks and reaching an agreement on a new contract in the quickest manner possible would be the best option.

If this power struggle continues, it's only going to get uglier. Jones-Drew and Shad need to settle their differences and get back to the bargaining table. 

----END OF UPDATE----

Update: Tuesday, August 21st at 7:30 p.m. ET

Negotiations betwen Jones-Drew and the Jaguars haven't exactly been kept under wraps, which have apparently irked the Jaguars' disgruntled star RB.

Jones-Drew's agent, Adisa Bakari, sheds more light on the situation, per the AP via Pro Football Talk,

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Obviously, he’s not happy that what started as a very cordial and private conversation is now public and contentious. Maurice wants to play for an organization that wants him and for an owner who respects him and values what he brings to a team – on the field, in the locker room and in the community.

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This is not the time for the heart and soul of the Jaguars to be feeling disrespected. The holdout has taken an ugly turn and with Week 1 rapidly approaching and talks seemingly regressing, this is the worst-case scenario for Jacksonville.

--------End of Update----------

This is not shocking. MJD has been holding out in the hopes of getting a new contract, but the Jaguars have not budged to meet his demands, and Khan's recent comments point to the fact they have no intention of giving in. The Florida Times-Union's Eugene Frenette passed along the comment:

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Jags owner Shad Khan on Jones-Drew still being absent: "Train is leaving the station. Run, get on it."

— Eugene Frenette (@GeneFrenette) August 21, 2012"

While the Jaguars essentially hold all the cards here, MJD's only real power is sitting out, but he doesn't receive any cash while doing so. The Jaguars have embarked on a risky game. 

They are obviously alienating the man who has carried this offense; Jones-Drew is the reigning NFL rushing leader, and he did so while part of a terrible offense.

Last season, his 1,606 rushing yards represented 82 percent of his team's rushing total. His 1,980 yards from scrimmage were 48 percent of his team's total offensive yards, and his 11 total touchdowns were 52 percent of the Jaguars' offensive TDs. 

The chances that Jones-Drew will be traded are slim. As great as MJD has been, there isn't going to be a rush of teams willing to fork over much value for a 27-year-old running back with 1,484 career regular-season carries, coming off a season where he had 343 carries. 

The Jaguars know they have Jones-Drew locked up for two years, and sooner or later, he will almost be forced to report for duty. They will not find a trade that is worth their while. 

Now, they just have to wonder how committed to winning MJD will be after enduring a process that is clearly disenchanting him.