Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum speaks with the media Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine. (Ben Liebenberg / NFL.com)

INDIANAPOLIS — Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum covered a wide range of topics with reporters Friday, but he had two particularly interesting comments on RB Thomas Jones. Really, it was more what Tannenbaum didn’t say that caught some attention.

“Nothing has really been finalized on T.J.,” Tannenbaum said about Jones’ future with the Jets. “We’re getting closer to a decision there, but nothing has been finalized yet.”

If that comes across as vague, it was. Jones is due a reported $3 million roster bonus next month and is set to earn a base salary of $2.8 million next season, when he’ll be 32. If the emergence of Shonn Greene makes Jones expendable to the Jets — which presumably would be the “decision” referenced by Tannenbaum — what came next from the GM felt like a send-off.

“All I can really say is I’m really fortunate we traded for him three years ago,” Tannenbaum said. “He’s done great things for us on the field and even more off the field. He’s really been our leader, [and] a tireless worker. He’s a really good player and a better person. So, we have a few more days to get that finalized, and once we do, we’ll let you know.”

Tannenbaum also said he expects RB Leon Washington, who is recovering from a broken leg, to be ready by Week 1.

– Frank Tadych

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