Maurice Jones-Drew
Maurice Jones-Drew The Jacksonville Jaguars and running back Maurice Jones-Drew have agreed to a four-year contract extension worth almost $33 million. Earlier this off-season, the Jags released veteran back Fred Taylor to make Jones-Drew the clear number one featured back.

Over his first three NFL seasons, Jones-Drew has compiled more than 6,000 all-purpose yards and scored 40 touchdowns.

The Jaguars have made Jones-Drew one of the three highest paid running backs in football. Only Steven Jackson of the Rams and Larry Johnson of the Chiefs make more than Jones-Drew.

Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver made it clear in January that he believed Jones-Drew was capable of being an every-down back and wanted to do whatever he could to
keep the 5-foot-7, 208-pound dynamo around for the foreseeable future.

"He is the kind of guy that you want to build your franchise around," Weaver said. "He is an unselfish player that gives you 110 percent every play."

After last season's 5-11 finish, Weaver felt like the team needed to "Clean House." He parted ways with longtime personnel director James Harris and several assistant coaches.

On the field, along with Jones-Drew's counterpart in the backfield Fred Taylor, the Jags released receiver Jerry Porter, cornerback Drayton Florence, and defensive end Paul Spicer. Jacksonville also said good-bye to troubled receiver Matt Jones and chose not to re-sign several free agents, including linebacker Mike Peterson, left tackle Khalif Barnes and receiver Reggie Williams.