Let me first give the disclaimer that I am a Florida State Seminole, as is Leon Washington. That said, Washington has earned a new contract, and it’s imperative that the Jets get a deal done because their 2009 season will ride on the field position that the Pro Bowl returner provides.

Ravens RB Willis McGahee has been one of the most frustrating fantasy options in recent memory, so forgive my trepidation when he told the Baltimore Sun that he’s completely healthy and ready to challenge Ray Rice for the No. 1 spot in Baltimore.

Still without a contract to his liking, Jets RB Leon Washington told the New York Daily News that he’s considering a training-camp holdout. Washington missed three weeks of voluntary workouts, but he returned for the latter stages of the offseason program.

Jets coach Rex Ryan — perhaps taking after his outspoken father, Buddy Ryan — has wasted no time adding heat to the already hot AFC East rivalries.

Jets RB Leon Washington again was absent from practice Wednesday, but he was excused this time to be at his fiancee’s side for the birth of their baby boy, Noel.

Fantasy editor Michael Fabiano discusses the swirling rumors involving running backs Edgerrin James and Thomas Jones and the fantasy implications for next season.

New York Jets running backs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington have both been no-shows to the team’s voluntary minicamp this week as they attempt to negotiate new contracts. On Thursday, Jets coach Rex Ryan opened up on not having his top two running backs at practice.

Jets kick returner and backup running back Leon Washington has not attended voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs), which started Monday, reportedly because he’s unhappy with the way his a contract extension negotiations have been handled.

It’s only May, but fantasy football owners should still be taking note of the current state of affairs in the Jets backfield.

Alvin Keels, the agent for Leon Washington, said he hopes to re-establish dialogue with the Jets regarding stalled contract talks that have led to his client opting not to participate in the team’s voluntary workouts the past two days.

Jets all-purpose RB Leon Washington is seeking a long-term contract extension, the New York Daily News reports, and believes his versatility puts him in exclusive company.

With 1,312 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns in 2008, Jets running back Thomas Jones posted his best statistical season. Now it appears like the AFC rushing champion wants to be payed like, well, the AFC rushing champion.

They never played a game together, never even practiced together, but Leon Washington spent a season with Curtis martin, watching, listening and learning. It was 2006, when Washington was getting started in the NFL and Martin was bidding a long, painful farewell to football, writes Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News.

Thomas Jones, our Start of the Week, is being outdone by his teammate, Leon Washington in Week 8.