Free agent RB Steven Jackson tells Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com that he is still hoping to catch on with a contender before the start of the season.
“That’s the thing,” Jackson told ESPN.com. “I have all the things I’ve accomplished personally, but I’ve still never been on a team that won more than eight games. That would be definitely one of the things that I’m looking for is that opportunity in my next chapter.”
Jackson thought he was going to get an opportunity to play for a contender when signed with the Falcons as a free agent a few years ago, but the team unfortunately took a step back.
“I don’t want to go to a team that is rebuilding and needs me to come on and teach guys how to be professional,” Jackson said. “I’ve done that. I’ve been more than vocal about wanting to help young guys, but at some point I have to be a little selfish. I want to be part of a winning team because when I do hang up my cleats, I can see a lot of people holding that over my head when a lot of it was out of my control.”
The Falcons elected to part ways with Jackson in a move that cleared $3.75 million in available cap space for them.
Since becoming a free agent, there hasn’t been any reported interest in him, despite the fact that he was actually a productive running back last year.
Jackson, 31, is among the best available free agents at the running back position.
In 2014, Jackson ran for 707 yards on 190 carries (3.7 YPC) to go along with six touchdowns and another 148 yards receiving. It’s worth mentioning that Pro Football Focus rated Jackson as the No. 8 running back out of 57 qualifying players last year.
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I can’t say I much blame him and he can still produce. He needs to just keep himself in shape and be patient. A contender WILL need him, sooner or later.