When he signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons before the 2013 season, running back Steven Jackson had racked up a franchise-record 10,138 yards rushing over nine seasons with the St. Louis Rams. His eight, 1,000-yard seasons with the Rams is twice that of anyone else in team history—Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson totaled four from 1983 to 1986.
But at 29 and with over 100 carries more than any other back in the NFL since he entered the league, Jackson was at a point where he would no longer be the focal point of an offense. He would sign with the Falcons, where he would have fewer than 200 carries in each of his two seasons—his first time failing to cross the 200-carry threshold since he split carries as a rookie with future Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk in 2004.
Jackson is now 31 and, coming off back-to-back disappointing seasons by his standards, could have only a few suitors ready to give him what may be the final contract of his illustrious career.
Which teams need a bruising back on the tail end of a great career? These five could come calling at any point during the offseason, but don’t be surprised if we see most of the bigger names on the free-agency market sign somewhere before Jackson gets an opportunity.
Cleveland Browns
Cap space is not an issue for any of the five teams listed here, as Jackson will not command much on the open market. But the Browns have roughly $50.8 million to spare this offseason—third in the league, according to Spotrac.com.
Cleveland is thin at running back heading into free agency. Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell led the team in rushing last season, but they are both young and would benefit from a veteran with the same bruising body type. This is especially true of Crowell.
The Ben Tate experiment did not work last offseason. This time around, the Browns should not be looking for a three-down starter in the backfield; Crowell and West should duke it out for that role during training camp. But having Jackson for goal-line situations and to provide an extra voice in the running backs room throughout the season would be most beneficial.
Arizona Cardinals
Recent speculation suggests the Cardinals are interested in having Adrian Peterson play for them. They need a big, powerful back to balance the workload with Andre Ellington—who was overworked a year ago and missed the final month of the season—and Jackson will be far more attainable than Peterson will be based on contract alone.
That’s not even taking into account Arizona would likely have to trade for Peterson.
Jackson spent nine seasons running over the Cardinals twice per season. Then, in a 29-18 win in Atlanta last season, he carried 18 times for 101 yards; it was his first 100-yard game since November of 2012—also against the Cardinals.
New York Jets
One would think with so few years left to play, Jackson would choose a playoff contender over a top-10 pick contender. The Jets have a new head coach and a dire need for running back help after the release of Chris Johnson this offseason.
Coach Todd Bowles heads into free agency with two backs on the roster: Chris Ivory, who has led the team in rushing the past two seasons; and Daryl Richardson, who has 690 career yards in three seasons.
It’s quite possible with all the cap space New York has, they’ll go after one of the big names on the free-agent market. But if it is unable to land DeMarco Murray, C.J. Spiller, Reggie Bush or even someone like Ryan Mathews, Jackson could be a stop-gap for a year or two.
It’s also highly likely the Jets take a running back within the first two days of the draft.
Minnesota Vikings
It looks as though Peterson wants a fresh start following his legal situation. There’s a real chance he won’t be back in Minnesota this season, and that leaves a spot open for Jackson to be the veteran leader among the backs.
Matt Asiata led the team with 570 yards rushing in Peterson’s absence, but Jerick McKinnon appears to be AD’s predecessor. As a rookie in 2014, McKinnon carried 113 times for 538 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and could have had a touchdown or two if not for the Vikings using Asiata as the goal-line back—23 carries and nine touchdowns for Asiata in goal-to-go situations as opposed to just three carries for McKinnon.
Jackson would not be an on-the-field replacement for Peterson, but he could provide some tough yards when the Vikings need it. And his veteran presence would be welcomed in a running back room that averages 24.5 years old.
Indianapolis Colts
The lack of talent in Indy’s offensive backfield is staggering. The Colts have three former undrafted guys, two Day 3 picks and Trent Richardson, who can be considered a first-round bust for two teams (the Browns drafted him in the first and traded him to the Colts for a first).
What’s sad about the running back situation in Indianapolis is Jackson would probably be the best back on the roster should he sign there. A playoff-contending team that has an acute need at running back?
That sounds like it would be right up Jackson’s alley.
Like the Jets, the Colts have a bunch of money to spend this offseason. Unlike the Jets, however, they should have no problem luring a top running back to town, given the fact they own the AFC South.
Photo: USA Today