The Atlanta Falcons have come to an agreement with free agent running back Steven Jackson, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The now former Ram has put up more than 1,000 yards rushing in each season since 2005, with his best year coming in 2006 when he had 1,528 yards on 346 carries to go along with 13 TDs. Last year, Jackson ran for 1,042 yards on 257 carries to go along with four touchdowns. He also caught 38 passes for 321 yards.
Steven Jackson is being coveted by multiple teams, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
D. Orlando Ledbetter reports Jackson’s athletic blend of speed, power and pass-catching ability would couple nicely with Jacquizz Rodgers skill set. Other teams interested in Jackson include Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Green Bay.
Jackson rushed for 1,042 yards and four touchdowns last season.
Yesterday Steven Jackson said that wherever he lands and wherever the whistling, cash-laden winds of free agency take him, he’d like to be a starter. Specially, he said this to NFL Radio:
“For where I’m at, going into Year 10, I’m not ready to step back and just become a primary backup or a reduced role guy to be part of a running back by committee. I still have a lot left in my tank. I still have a lot left to offer to a team. We’re not talking about someone that’s in Year 12 or 13.”
Of course he wants to start, because every player at every position in every sport on every planet wants to start. Get this: starting is better than sitting, and sitting sucks.
But hey Stevie, would you still be open to a secondary role or a platoon if that’s offered to you?
“Well, that’s where a very open dialogue has to take place. I have opted out of my position of being with the team and being comfortable because I want to continue to still be the bell cow. So that’s how I want teams to look at me, that’s how I’m going to shop myself, and we’ll cross that bridge when we get there if that’s not the feedback we’re receiving.”
It’s nice that he has an open mind to the many possibilities free agency has to offer, because although he’s still been productive despite being at an age when running backs typically turn into toads or something, there may be only one place where Jackson can step into a definitive, bell cow starting role immediately.
Late in February it was announced that St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson was going to void the final year of his contract (he was due to make $7 million) and become a free agent.
Apparently it wasn’t about the money with Jackson, he just didn’t want to take a reduced role in St. Louis.
The NFL trade deadline is only a few days away. Unlike the other leagues, more specifically the NBA, NHL and MLB, the NFL deadline usually comes and goes without any significant movement. Even after the NFL and NFLPA agreed to change the deadline from the Tuesday following week 6 to week 8 this season, rumours of players swapping teams has been almost nonexistent.
This morning though, we heard a few names being talked about as possible trade candidates come Tuesday.
With trade deadline Tuesday, teams around league have contacted Carolina to inquire about RB DeAngelo Williams. Panthers willing to listen.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 28, 2012
Rams have fielded trade inquiries for RB Steven Jackson over past few weeks in advance of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline… say.ly/uhz4sR4
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 28, 2012
We all want name value. We want our names to be recognized for something, be it professional success, or a spot on your local steakhouse’s wall of fame as one of the few and proud brave enough to consume a 46-ounce slab of animal, and live to tell the tale.
But when a player’s only redeeming quality is the value of his name in fantasy football, he’s in a sad, sorry state. Pour some liquor out for Steven Jackson, guys.
It’s been a precipitous fall for Steven Jackson.
Two years ago the Oregon State alum was ranked fifth in fantasy value. He occupied a spot in the top five for four consecutive years. Last year, 19th. This year, 24th.
It’s clear where we’re heading with this. After struggling with his health, Jackson is in danger of being supplanted as the featured back by rookie Daryl Richardson. The Rams selected two running backs in the ’12 draft including Richardson and second rounder Isaiah Pead. Read the rest of this entry »
