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The day has finally arrived. Steven Jackson has officially voided his contract with the St. Louis Rams, and will now be the number one running back available in free agency.
Jackson's void and release of Wayne Hunter clears $11 million from Rams salary cap.
— Howard Balzer (@HBalzer721) March 7, 2013
It has been out there for some time that Jackson would void his deal. It still does feel fresh, though. There was no chance that the Rams would keep Jackson this season, not with a cap number of $7 million.
Jackson was still productive last season, running for 1,042 yards, and four touchdowns. It was the eighth season in a row that Jackson topped the 1,000-yard mark, joining an elite group of players that includes Hall of Famers Barry Sanders, Thurman Thomas, Emmitt Smith and Curtis Martin.
There is still a chance that the Rams all-time leading rusher could return in 2013, possibly even finishing his career with the only team he's even known. Both parties have expressed interest in each other, and Jeff Fisher and Les Snead have been effusive in their praise for Jackson's role with the team, from pass blocking to locker room leadership.
A more limited role with the team in 2013 might keep Jackson away. Fisher wants second-year running back Isaiah Pead, a second-round pick, to take on more of the workload along with Daryl Richardson.
But if Jackson doesn't come back to the Rams, this move should work out for both parties. Steven Jackson is free to sign with any team that has interest for him, and he could finally be on a winning team, and the Rams will inherit $ 7 million from Jackson voiding his contract, rather than the team cutting him.
Jackson's void and release of Wayne Hunter clears $11 million from Rams salary cap.
— Howard Balzer (@HBalzer721) March 7, 2013
Jackson has interest from other teams. The Atlanta Falcons are believed to be one team with significant interest in adding the veteran to their lineup. That would also give Jackson a better shot at a Super Bowl title; he's made just one playoff appearance in his nine-year career. The Green Bay Packers are another team to keep an eye on in the offseason.