Drew can't wage war on salaries

Drew can't wage war on salaries
January 3
Jacksonville Times-Union columnist Gene Frenette
"There was a touch of irony in the Jaguars' postmortem, with running back Maurice Drew bringing up how teammate David Garrard and coach Jack Del Rio wanted to get their share of the money pie last year.

It was a somewhat cryptic issue to raise in attempt to explain the Jaguars' 5-11 season. What's interesting is now it's Drew's turn to wonder how much, and how quickly, the franchise might reward him with a contract extension. And if the team's most productive player gets big money, will his performance tail off the way it did for Garrard and Del Rio?

There's no disputing that Drew is one of the Jaguars' most valuable assets, but the unknown is his ability to hold up as a featured back carrying the ball 250-275 times a season.

Remember, the Jaguars don't have to pony up for Drew right now, though Del Rio said he would like to see a deal done soon. If 2010 becomes an uncapped year with no new collective-bargaining agreement, Drew can't become a free agent until after the 2011 season. The team could see how next year goes for Drew before giving him a lucrative extension.

So far, he's been the good soldier. But from the comments on Garrard and Del Rio's new contracts, it sounds like Drew is getting antsy about when the team will cash in his Lotto ticket. ..."
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