Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Jones's desire to report to Fins' OTAs wavering

BY SEAN DONOVAN

Unhappy with his contract situation, Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones skipped his team's offseason conditioning sessionon Monday, signalling what could be a bumpy summer for the two parties.

But according to The Miami Herald's Armando Salguero, Jones has decided to report after being reassured that contract talks would take place "eventually."

According to Salguero, Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland contacted Jones' agent Monday evening regarding the situation. Afterwards, the player felt good enough to show up to Tuesday's OTA session.

Jones is on the final year of his rookie deal and is seeking an extension, and one that will give him a significant raise. The former fifth-round pick is set to earn just $1.3 million in base salary this season, a number not befitting of one of the premier safeties in the league.

And after seeing Ireland sign outside free agents to massive deals, Jones certainly feels he should see some of same returns for his own play.

Another player who feels similarly is defensive tackle Randy Starks, who wants an extension and is unhappy with receiving the franchise tag. Starks will be forced to play this season on a one-year, $8.5 million deal unless the two sides can agree on an extension before July 15th.

Time will tell how these situations resolve themselves, but the Dolphins may be paying the price for opening the checkbook to outside free agents before their own talent.

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