:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48783303/usa-today-8996069.0.jpg)
Last week, reports emerged from the Cincinnati Enquirer regarding how much money Marvin Jones will be seeking in free agency. The Bengals wide receiver is one of 15 Bengals set to hit the open market on March 9, should they not receive contract extensions before then.
This news quickly spread around with countless stories popping up regarding the report; here's what the Enquirer's story, the first on the topic, said.
League sources indicate Jones is seeking nearly $7 million per season, or slightly more than Golden Tate's 5-year, $31 million deal in Detroit in 2014.
During a boring start to the offseason, this quickly became the talk of Bengals fans, including us here at Cincy Jungle. It sparked discussions of whether the Bengals could afford that price tag or if Jones was even worth such a high billing.
Less than a week later, it's become clear that Jones isn't happy about these reports. Early on Tuesday morning, Jones took to Twitter to voice his displeasure and state that he has no connection with those "league sources".
Remember fans when folks like the Enquirer say "League Sources Say" that just means they have no information and are trying to force a story
— Marvin Jones Jr (@MarvinJonesJr) February 10, 2016
Never have I or anyone I am affiliated w/ told any "source" any information about what I want so don't look for info where there isn't any
— Marvin Jones Jr (@MarvinJonesJr) February 10, 2016
We shall all see in a month..... Good nite friends ✊ ✊ ✊
— Marvin Jones Jr (@MarvinJonesJr) February 10, 2016
Teammate Marquis Flowers followed that up less than 10 minutes later with this Tweet:
Media so Phony, when will y'all learn
— Marquis Flowers (@MrHitThat_53) February 10, 2016
In response, the writer of the Enquirer article has since sent out this Tweet:
Fair response from @MarvinJonesJr - tried to catch him last wk but was unsuccessful. What I heard from ppl who have proven truthful to me.
— Jim Owczarski (@JimOwczarski) February 10, 2016
So, for what it's worth, Jones is denying that he wants $7 million per year, or at least denying that he or his team want you to think he wants $7 million per year.