Falcons release Steven Jackson
ATLANTA, GA (The Spread) – Steven Jackson’s time in Atlanta may have come to an end but the running back says he isn’t considering retirement.
On Thursday evening the Falcons released Jackson, who is 31 and coming off a second lackluster season in Atlanta. After averaging 4.23 yards per carry in nine years with the Rams, Jackson saw that number drop to 3.60 in Atlanta while battling various leg injuries over the last two years. When he signed with the Falcons as a free agent two years ago, Jackson hoped he was joining a Super Bowl contender. Instead, Atlanta finished with a sub-.500 record in each of his two seasons with the club.
But despite the perception that he’s finished, Jackson says he isn’t considering retirement.
“Make no mistake: I can still punish a defense,” Jackson said in a statement via SJ39.com. “There are 1,000-yard seasons left in these legs.”
The Falcons will now move on with second-year back Devonta Freeman, who was used sparingly in his rookie year. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Atlanta add another running back to compete with Freeman, and/or re-sign UFA Antone Smith. The team has also been linked to free agent Justin Forsett, who is coming off a solid year in Baltimore.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, the Falcons are 40/1 long shots to win the 2016 Super Bowl and 20/1 to win the NFC Conference Championship.
Want More From TheSpread.com? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!