While Maurice Jones-Drew continues to miss valuable offseason preparation time while holding out for a new contract, Jaguars offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski thinks it would be in the rusher's best interests to join the team and learn their new offense. "It's not helping him by not being here, he'll have a lot of learning to catch up on," Bratkowski told the Florida Times-Union. "But yet, he's a gifted and talented player and I’m sure he can get caught up. It's certainly not helping him. Whether it's hurting him or not, that remains to be seen."
Analysis: MJD has two years left on a contract he signed in 2009, but that deal makes him the eighth-highest paid running back in the league -- and he was the NFL's top rusher last season. There's no need to worry now, but an extended absence from training camp might keep him from being at his best in the early going. Hopefully this situation is resolved soon. We consider Jones-Drew a No. 1 Fantasy running back worth drafting with a Top 5 pick in all leagues as long as there isn't a prolonged holdout.
Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte continues to seek a long-term contract, and the deals of others is likely to affect negotiations. Forte's agent is likely to look at the new deal for Philadelphia Eagles RB LeSean McCoy, while the Bears might point to the deal the Jacksonville Jaguars gave to RB Maurice Jones-Drew. The negotiations between the Baltimore Ravens and RB Ray Rice also are important, as both players have similar values.
