FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets running back-kick returner Leon Washington is unsure whether he'll report for the start of training camp if his contract situation isn't resolved during the next few weeks.
Washington, who made the Pro Bowl last season, sat out the first three weeks of organized team activities before returning last week "in good faith" amid a contract squabble. He attended the first day of mandatory minicamp Tuesday, but acknowledged that he hadn't decided whether he'll be at training camp when the team reports in Cortland, N.Y., on July 30.
"I'll wait until that time comes around and see how everything goes on with the talks between my agent and the Jets," Washington said in his first comments since returning to the team. "I haven't made a decision yet, but I think it's important for me to be at training camp and I think the Jets realize it's important for me to be at training camp, so hopefully I can be there."
He's due to earn $535,000 this season, the final year of his rookie deal. He's believed to be looking for about $6 million a year, similar to deals that Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew and San Diego's Darren Sproles -- players to whom he's often compared -- have received.
"I want fair market value," said the 26-year-old Washington, using a term he repeated nearly a dozen times. "It's fair to say that if fair market value doesn't get done, there will probably be some changes. If it gets done, it'll be best for the whole entire organization."
The stumbling block in getting a new deal done with Washington, a fourth-round pick out of Florida State in 2006, is the uncertainty of the league's collective bargaining agreement. Without an extension to the CBA, Washington would become a restricted free agent -- not unrestricted -- next offseason and the Jets would be able to retain his rights for far less than what agent Alvin Keels and his client are currently seeking.
"Fair market value is with the CBA or without the CBA," Washington said.
Pro Bowl running back Thomas Jones returned two weeks ago after sitting out all of the team's offseason workouts while also in a contract dispute. Jones -- who hasn't spoken to the media since his return -- is the starting running back and rushed for an AFC-leading 1,312 yards last season, but the elusive Washington provides a dynamic change of pace. He's one of the league's top game-changing players with the ability to score from just about anywhere on the field by run, catch or return.
Washington has rushed for 1,451 yards and 13 touchdowns, and caught 108 passes for 838 yards and two scores, in his first three seasons. He has also returned four kickoffs for touchdowns.
"If Leon receives fair market value," he said, smiling, "then you can see Leon in training camp."