Even after a season in which Thomas Jones rushed for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns (both career highs), the New York Jets didn’t view him as being worth the $3 million dollar roster bonus and $2.8 million base salary he would’ve been due in 2010. So they released him.

However, Jones meant enough, apparently, to the Jets organization that they gave him (and paid for) a warm send-off — albeit it a peculiar one.

In the main section of Sunday’s Kansas City Star, the Jets took out a full-page ad to say thanks for his contributions to the team. It featured a giant photo of Jones carrying the ball in his Jets uniform. The ad read:

“A person who embodies TOUGHNESS, DEDICATION and LEADERSHIP. Thanks TJ for three great seasons.

Woody Johnson, Coach Rex Ryan, Mike Tannenbaum and the New York Jets.”

Taking a full-page ad in the hometown paper of Jones’ new team definitely qualifies as an unusual gesture of appreciation. Just how was Jones supposed to feel when he saw it? Grateful for the kind words? Or was it like adding salt to an open wound?

Other news from around the Web:

• LaDainian Tomlinson may be enshrined in Canton one day, but the Jets’ doubting Thomas Jones may come back to bite them.

• Chiefs coach Todd Haley and general manager Scott Pioli were fixated, upon arrival, in rebuilding the Chiefs in their own image, and yet there are five players drafted by the previous regime — now starters — who will be integral to a turnaround in 2010.

• The Broncos scored QB Brady Quinn on the cheap in their trade with the Browns.

• Even with fewer than 400 rushing yards in two seasons, an era comes to an end in Denver with the departure of Peyton Hillis in the Quinn trade.

• The Dolphins must weigh risk vs. reward when it comes to the potential acquisition of OL Richie Incognito.

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