Green Bay Packers Won’t Overpay for Steven Jackson

The clock is ticking on Steven Jackson at least that’s what the Green Bay Packers want him to think. By brining in Peyton Hillis on Tuesday, the Packers sent a loud message to free agent running back Steven Jackson that they’re not going to wait around forever for him to decide on whether or not he wants to play for them.

The idea of Steven Jackson in the Green Bay Packers offense is terrifying for opponents, and signing him makes a ton of sense for the Packers. The only knock on the Packers offense in recent years is the fact that they’ve have no running game whatsoever, and many believe that if a decent running back had been in town over the last few years, the Packers may have already won another Super Bowl.

Still, as exciting as it may be, the Packers aren’t going to allow Jackson to control negotiations and one thing the Packers are not about to do is enter a bidding war for Jackson that sees them over pay to acquire his services.

While Hillis’ presence in Green Bay at the moment is a Cuban Missile Crisis like message to Jackson, don’t count out the possibility that the Packers could sign both Jackson and Hillis before all is said and done. Green Bay is starting to get tight with money, and fullback John Kuhn’s $2.5 million salary is more than a little pricey.

So the Packers could be sporting an offense next season that features a backfield of Steven Jackson and Peyton Hillis in addition to every other weapon they house. Green Bay has long been viewed as one of the better places Jackson can land, and the idea of him coming to Green Bay was floated as early as last year’s trade deadline in November.

The Falcons are still in play to sign Jackson, but as we push further and further into the week, it’s looking like Green Bay’s interest in Jackson will be controlled by their pocket book, not their hearts or Jackson’s schedule.