Steven Jackson To Leave St. Louis Rams

Nov. 25, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Just when everybody thought this years off-season couldn’t get any crazier, it continues to throw us curve balls.

We all know free agency starts here in about 14 days, teams are looking at spots where they could improve and are handing out pink slips. This year seems to be one of those ‘I can’t believe they released him’ type of off-season, which I really love.

I’m more of a ‘surprise’ type of person, bet you didn’t see that coming, did you? Especially when it comes to Steven Jackson. The man who has given St. Louis his all from the time he was drafted, til the final whistle of every game he was involved in.

He is one of the best and most dangerous running backs in the game, yet to win a championship. Earlier today, news broke that Steven Jackson, 29 years old, has decided to void the final year of his contract and test the market.

I understand his decision, putting in all this hard work and wanting to be able to contend for a championship. This could either be a plan of Jackson’s, to open the eyes of the organization and show them that it is either now or never, or figured it would never happen in St. Louis and decided to move on to a contender.

General Managers all over the league are probably bouncing off the walls right now. Since Jackson came into the league in 2004, he has recorded over 10,000 rushing yards, 56 rushing touchdowns, 3,300 receiving yards and 8 receiving touchdowns.

A running back who isn’t afraid to run straight through the offensive and defensive line to pick up those difficult yards, is also quick enough to bounce to the outside and out run defenders to get to the sidelines.

Steven Jackson has always been a favorite running back of mine. Just like with Marshall Faulk when he was a St. Louis Ram, Jackson will always be one of those greats you think about when you think of that organization. Only difference is, Faulk won a Championship, being a part of ‘The Greatest Show on Turf’ back in ’99, ’00 and ’01, Jackson hasn’t had that much help when it comes to competing though reaching the playoffs in his first 3 seasons in the league.

Both sides sat down to discuss a contract extension but neither side could agree on a deal. Talks broke off and St. Louis decided to give Jackson the option to play through the final year of his contract, or void out and become a free agent in March 2013.

Jackson (3x pro bowler) was in the last deal of his contract, topping 1,000 yards 8 seasons straight. Being the St. Louis Rams All-Time leading rusher, he was due to make $7 million for the 2013 season. Only 29, turning 30 in July, Jackson should also be getting high interest to other teams who need that powerful back, especially those who have trouble getting into the end-zone when they reach the red-zone.

This man is a freak of nature and what is scary, is he could probably play another 3-4 years, if not 5. So any team who wants to bring him in, will probably sign him to a deal in that length. Has had some injuries, but always bounced back or fought through and still contributed even when his team is struggling. You want to talk about Adrian Peterson carrying the Minnesota Vikings on his back? This man has been doing it for years.

With Steven Jackson leaving St. Louis, the Rams currently have the youngest roster in the NFL.