Jones: No Progress on Contract Talks
- Updated: October 22, 2015
Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – With the regular season about to come to a close this weekend, it looks like Jermaine Jones’ future in New England remains as uncertain as it did when the campaign kicked off in March.
Prior to Wednesday’s training, Jones, whose current contract will expire at the end of the year, told local reporters that no progress has been made on reaching a contract extension with the Revolution.
“Everybody knows that it’s easy to know the numbers of other players – you can just look it up,” Jones said. “The club knows what I want, my agent knows it, and I’ll be focused that we’ll make it the same as last season.”
Last August, Jones signed the richest deal in club history, an 18-month deal worth $4.7 million. The move paid immediate dividends, as Jones helped spur the Revolution to their first MLS Cup appearance in seven years.
Jones is on the books for $3.052 million in 2015, and is apparently seeking a similar salary for 2016 and possibly 2017 and 2018, as well. But at 33, concerns exist about the skipper’s ability to stay healthy.
The fiery midfielder underwent two sports hernia surgeries within a five-month span, and missed a combined 13 games due to injury in 2015. His recovery from each procedure has limited his effectiveness, too, as Jones hasn’t registered a goal or assist in 17 games with the Revolution.
Another thing that probably doesn’t boost Jones’ argument for rich extension is his wily style of play, which can leave him vulnerable to further injury, not to mention discipline from the league.
Nevertheless, Jones is adamant in his position. He said he enjoys playing in Foxborough, despite the fact that his family lives in Los Angeles.
“I’ve always said I’m happy here,” Jones said. “I like it, my family likes it. But at the end of the day, we all know that the numbers have to be right, too.”
Whether the Revolution’s numbers ever match the figures Jones envisions remains to be seen. If a deal does get done, it likely won’t happen until the offseason, a time in which the organization typically re-signs its pricier players.
In the meantime, Jones said he hasn’t stopped to consider the possibility that last week’s regular season home finale might have been the last time he dons a Revolution uniform in front of the home support.
“Not really – that’s not my (style),” Jones said.
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