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Reports of the Atlanta Falcons' interest in St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson are not shrinking away. Atlanta thinks that he could be a suitable replacement for since released Michael Turner. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has the latest on the Jackson-Falcons reports:
As far as outside free agents, it appears that Steven Jackson, who reportedly will void his contract with the Rams, will be the top target in light of the release of running back Michael Turner ... Jackson could split duties with Jacquizz Rodgers, who had a strong second season. Jackson is an adept pass catcher out of the backfield and fits the scheme.
Personally, it seems like changing one 30-something running back for another isn't the best recipe for a team carrying heightened Super Bowl expectations. But the Falcons' business isn't my biggest concern. Wait, it actually kind of is my concern.
It's unlikely that Jackson will get a $7 million deal in free agency, but the Falcons could spend a lump of their 2013 budget to add him to the roster. That could make it difficult to re-sign some of their own free agents, including safety William Moore, who probably should be a bigger priority for the Falcons than a 30-year old running back.
Moore is said to be looking for a five-year, $30 million deal, according to our friends at the Falcoholic. That's a pricey deal for a guy with a spotty injury history. It's not out of line, really, for free agent prices.
St. Louis isn't going to have a ton of money to spend in free agency, but Snead and Co. are widely expected to address a need or two with a veteran player. Compare a deal like that for Moore with what a team will be expected to pay for a top-market receiver. Start breaking it down like that, weight what kind of players will be available with a pair of first-round picks, and the Rams can have a very nice offseason.