The hits keep coming for NFL running backs. A day after the Detroit Lions sent Reggie Bush packing, veteran running back Steven Jackson was released by the Atlanta Falcons.
On the surface, this move is not surprising. Jackson, 31, put up 1,250 yards and 12 touchdowns in two seasons with the Falcons. The former Pro Bowler was set to count $4.92 million against the cap in 2015. By releasing Jackson, the team saves nearly $3.8 million of cap room next season.
With Devonta Freeman looking to get more touches and Jackson obviously at the downswing of his career, the latter didn’t figure into the team’s future.
Selected in the first round of the 2004 NFL draft by the St. Louis Rams, Jackson is that franchise’s all-time leading rusher with 10,138 yards. If Jackson does indeed retire, he will leave the league as a surefire Hall of Famer.
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