Everybody in the football world knew it was coming soon, but now the Atlanta Falcons have made it official by releasing veteran running-back Steven Jackson.
During this stage of the NFL offseason is when the cap casualty cuts start occurring.
More from Atlanta Falcons
- Kyle Pitts: It’s a new aura when it comes to the Atlanta Falcons defense
- Kyle Pitts sees Desmond Ridder, A.J. Terrell as tremendous leaders for the Falcons
- NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
- Bijan Robinson hypes up Falcons’ defense with chip on their shoulder
- Bijan Robinson sees championships in Texas’ immediate future
Veteran players collecting above their actual value have an eye on packing their bags even before that phone call comes. It’s just a way of life for football players.
For veteran Steven Jackson, he has now joined that list of cap casualty cuts.
The Atlanta Falcons made the news official today as they’ve released the 31-year old running-back.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the move will save Atlanta a significant $3.75 million off the cap this coming season.
Saves $3.7M against the cap. RT @AtlantaFalcons: The Falcons have released RB Steven Jackson: http://t.co/CZKRiZQaF9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 27, 2015
It was simply a no-brainer for the general manager Thomas Dimitroff and the rest of the Falcons front office.
Drafted by the Rams in 2004, Jackson was superb during his nine-year run in St. Louis. His accolades included eight straight 1,000 yard rushing seasons and one season which saw him collect 90 receptions for 806 yards through the air.
Prior to 2013 Jackson joined Atlanta. His two-year run turned out to be very predictable as he finished with 347 carries for 1,250 yards and 12 touchdowns (3.6 yards per carry).
His Falcons stint turned out to be predictable because of the very nature of the position. Running-back is a young man’s game and one which produces a revolving door among many organizations.
The position is so devalued in today’s game that a first-round running-back is one of rarer things in the league.
If you played fantasy football in 2014, you might have wondered why the Falcons didn’t pull the trigger on this move last year.
Atlanta used not one, not two, not three, but an incredible four running-backs in their offense last season.
Jackson led the team with 707 yards, but his disappointing production at 3.7 yards per carry had Falcons fans and fantasy owners scream at head coach Mike Smith seemingly every Sunday.
Rookie Devonta Freeman, who was another source of so much fantasy disappointment, finished second on the team with 248 yards. While another veteran in Jacquizz Rodgers went for 217.
The wild card guy coming up this season will be Antoine Smith who exploded for a few big plays last year.
Whether newly minted head coach Dan Quinn views Smith as guy who can take a big part of the load in 2015 remains to be seen.
More from FanSided
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle