Steven Jackson has the best resume of any of the free agent running backs on the market and that makes him one of the most targeted players this year as free agency starts on Tuesday, with the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers the top landing spots.
According to ESPN.com, Jackson is a possible fit for the Falcons, as they were one of the worst rushing teams in the league and need another veteran after releasing Michael Turner earlier in the offseason. The Packers are also an option for the running back, as Green Bay has relied primarily on Aaron Rodgers and has let the rushing game falter over the past few seasons.
Jackson is turning 30 this year, but he has proven throughout his career to be a strong and consistent running back and he could provide veteran leadership while pairing with speedster Jacquizz Rodgers. Jackson has passed the 10,000-yard mark for his career and he has already said that he plans on signing with a team where he could start, which could happen with the Falcons.
"For where I'm at, going into Year 10, I'm not ready to step back and just become a primary backup or a reduced role guy to be part of a running back by committee," Jackson said Thursday on Sirius XM NFL Radio. "I still have a lot left in my tank. I still have a lot left to offer to a team. We're not talking about someone that's in Year 12 or 13."
Jackson is the career rushing leader with the Rams, but after the team decided to go to its younger running backs, Jackson decided to opt out of the final year of his contract. The running back has been to the Pro Bowl three times and he rushed for 1,042 yards and four touchdowns last season, giving him 2,395 carries for 10,135 yards and 56 touchdowns during his nine-year career.
Jackson has been a work horse in St. Louis, having over 230 carries in eight straight seasons and playing in 14 games in seven of his nine years with the team. The Falcons gained just 87 yards per game on the ground and could be even more dangerous with a solid running game. The field would open up a bit more for Matt Ryan and if Tony Gonzalez comes back, he will benefit from bringing in Jackson.
The Packers could be an interesting spot, as Jackson could start there as well and the team struggled with the run last season with Alex Green, DuJuan Harris and James Starks, ranking 20th in the NFL. Green led the team with just 464 yards and the Packers could use an upgrade at the position.
John Clayton at ESPN said that the fit could work for Jackson and the Packers:
"I think that would be a great idea. Jackson isn't going to make $7 million this year. Jackson has until the start of free agency to void the last year of his Rams contract. Although the Rams want him back, I think he will hit the market. If that is the case, Thompson could offer $5 million and see whether that could lure Jackson to Green Bay. He would be perfect for that offense."
The Jets could also surprise if Jackson doesn't take as much as he made in St. Louis, as the team needs a big upgrade after dealing with Shonn Greene last season.