Maurice Jones-Drew Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation Surrounding Star RB

Maurice Jones-Drew doesn't seem to want to leave the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team he's spent his entire eight-year career with, but he might have to for monetary reasons. 

According to Mark Long of the Associated Press, Jones-Drew desires a contract with guaranteed money rather than one primarily based on incentives:

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Early indications are MJD wants a long-term contract & doesn't want to settle for a 2-year, incentive-laden deal

— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) December 30, 2013"

Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com provided a statement from Jones-Drew discussing his future with the Jaguars:

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I would love to see it through here, but you said it exactly right—it's a monetary issue. That's where we are now. It's not about football anymore. That's part of the deal, part of the game.

"

WJXT sports anchor Michael Kelly documented Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell discussing Jones-Drew's status within the organization during the team's Dec. 31 press conference:

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Dave Caldwell on MJD: I'm not pessimistic at all about it. I think he's earned right to go to free agency. #Jaguars

— Michael Kelly (@MichaelLKelly) December 31, 2013"

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Caldwell says he does not envision Jaguars signing Maurice Jones-Drew before free agency. Will let him hit the market first. #Jaguars

— Michael Kelly (@MichaelLKelly) December 31, 2013"

Rookie Denard Robinson prefers Jones-Drew remains in Jacksonville, courtesy of DiRocco:

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That's my big brother right there. He'll do whatever for me and it would be kind of weird not to see him over there. I always look for him for guidance, him and Justin Forsett. I can't control what they want to do, but I really want him to come back.

"

When the 2014 season begins, Jones-Drew will be 29 years old and in his ninth season. Historically, the average shelf life of a running back is much shorter than other offensive positions. Running backs typically sign shorter-term contracts later in their careers due to the previous punishment on their bodies.

After a season in which he totaled 1,117 yards from scrimmage, 803 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 15 games, Jones-Drew doesn't appear to be on a steep decline. After a slow start, he actually improved as the year wore on and finished with 80 or more total yards in five of his last eight games, including a 103-yard rushing performance in Week 14.

For the Jaguars, Jones-Drew might not be a necessity. With Jordan Todman emerging late in the season and Robinson on the roster as well, Jacksonville might be able to move forward without MJD.