Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
We knew it was coming, and now the Atlanta Falcons finally made it a reality. The team has released veteran running back Steven Jackson after two seasons of disappointing play from the aging star.
Falcons released RB Steven Jackson, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 27, 2015
Once considered one of the best running backs in the NFL during his time with the St Louis Rams, Jackson clearly hit a wall in 2013 – his first season with the Falcons. He battled injuries early and often during his stay in Atlanta, which showed when he did manage to see the field.
With the Falcons ready to pass the torch to sophomore Devonta Freeman or an incoming draft pick, the next logical step was to unload Jackson and the $3.75 million cap hit that came with him in 2015. Now headed for the unemployment line, there’s a good chance Jackson could simply decide to call it quits on his NFL career.
During his two years in Atlanta, Jackson was running on fumes. Not only was he constantly slowed by leg injuries, but his on-field performance showed an aging running back incapable of playing with the power and burst he once boasted.
Evidence: After compiling a 4.23 yards-per-carry average during his nine seasons with the Rams, that number dropped to 3.6 with the Falcons.
The Falcons are prepared to move on, and Jackson should be, too. He had an excellent career as the workhorse for the Rams’ running game. Now, it’s time for him to walk off into the sunset with his head held high and his legs still intact (sort of).
