Gotta Have Faith: Leon Washington Returns to New York Jets Practice

The New York Jets have returned to full offensive strength as Leon Washington's "move of good faith" has restored the Pro-Bowl backfield.

Washington has avoided offseason workouts as a declaration of disappointment with his current contract. Still playing under his fourth-round rookie deal, he is scheduled to earn a meager $535,000 in 2009 before becoming a restricted free agent next March.

Agent Alvin Keels has been in negotiations with general manager Mike Tannenbaum to determine more adequate compensation for a player of Washington's caliber.

The definition of a "slash" player, Washington's market value is difficult to distinguish because of his various skill sets.

Dangerous as a kick-returner, receiver out of the backfield, and as a running back, No. 29 provides the Jets with a well-rounded offensive weapon. Therefore, his desire for a more well-rounded bank account is far from unreasonable.

A team captain and MVP, a Pro Bowl talent, and a nightmare for opposing coordinators, there should be no doubt that Washington is worthy of a new contract. In three seasons, Washington has amassed 2,289 yards from scrimmage, 3,184 return yards, and 19 touchdowns.

Unfortunately, the status of the collective bargaining agreement complicates his financial matters.

With the current CBA set to expire in 2009, the Jets are looking for the middle ground in a market with 116 players in the same contractual limbo as Washington.

Washington's fear is that he will play 2009 without a new deal, and have a best-case scenario with a franchise tag in 2010. While the one-year salary for a tagged player is impressive, Washington wants the security a long-term contract provides before he gets ever closer to 30.

Now that Keels has stated his client's return to practice is an act of "good faith" toward establishing a new deal, the hope is that Washington will be satisfied with a contract that also protects the Jets from any salary cap difficulties in 2010.

And it couldn't have happened any sooner.

Having the entire offense on hand throughout the offseason is of the essence. If the Jets hope to hit a stride before starting the season in Houston, then they need to be at full capacity, without any disgruntled players.

With a quarterback competition looming, the only way for the coaching staff to properly evaluate Mark Sanchez and Kellen Clemens is with all of the team's play-makers present.

A competition can't be decided appropriately without Washington involved, mainly because the offense is a shadow of itself without him.

Of course, Sanchez has to have his rookie contract worked out before training camp, as well.

Now that Washington has formally placed his faith in the organization to do right by him, it's time for the Jets to show their loyalty and reward him for being the premier player he is.