ESPN NFL

New York Jets fullback Tony Richardson is confident he'll be blocking for somebody.

"There will be a guy in that backfield," Richardson said with a laugh Tuesday. "We'll be fine."

The Jets have two Pro Bowl running backs who want new contracts. While Leon Washington so far has been in attendance for new head coach Rex Ryan's offseason conditioning program, Thomas Jones has been a no-show.

"That's the business side of it, and that's sometimes the dark side," Richardson said of contract disputes. "It'll work its way out one way or the other, and whoever that guy is back there, I've got to go do my job regardless."

Conditioning programs are voluntary, but players generally participate when there've been coaching changes. The Jets also have a new running backs coach, Anthony Lynn.

Washington's situation isn't considered serious. He's entering his contract year anyway and by participating in workouts is demonstrating he won't be a headache.

Jones' absence, meanwhile, has made headlines in New York.

"Unfortunately, so much stuff's been made about him not being here," Richardson said. "Well, it's voluntary. So that's a personal choice. But one thing about T.J., that sucker's going to be in shape. He'll be ready to roll."

Jones is coming off the best season of his career and one of the best in Jets history. He rushed for 1,312 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Jones, who will turn 31 in August, is entering the third year of a front-loaded, four-year contract worth $20 million. His base salary will be $900,000 for the upcoming season.

Richardson has been exchanging texts with Jones and can't get worried about a prolonged impasse, not in April. But Richardson, a 15-year veteran, has seen contract disputes turn nasty.

"I've seen them go all the way out to the midnight hour," Richardson said. "It can go for a long time. It's about taking care of your family. You bust your butt and you want to be rewarded.

"You just trust that guys' hearts are in the right place. I know the organization respects T.J. and what he's done for us, and I know T.J. respects the organization. I know he wants to be a New York Jet."