Steven Jackson Hopes To Re-Sign With The Rams

Reports came out yesterday that Rams RB Steven Jackson will become a free agent following the season. Jackson was asked about his plans for the future and whether or not he would be willing to re-sign with the Rams.

“I’ve said that from the beginning that, even in 2004, I wanted to retire here,” said Jackson, via StLouisRams.com. “At the end of the season we’ll see what happens with me. But something is happening here and I want to be a part of it.”

Jackson, 29, seems to be sincere in his desire to remain with an up-and-coming Rams team, but once the offers start coming in, things can and often do change quickly. St Louis has Daryl Richardson who has looked like a great value pick, as well as second-rounder Isaiah Pead currently on their roster, so they’ve already invested in the running back position to some degree. It will be interesting to see what kind of contract he’s looking for and whether or not the Rams are willing to come anywhere close to his asking price.

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Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com reports the St Louis Rams will allow RB Steven Jackson to void the final year of his current contract and become an unrestricted free agent following the season.

Jackson’s deal include incentives that would have allowed him to void the deal on his own, but unfortunately didn’t reach those marks on his own. Still, the team felt that it was the right decision for their team.

Prisco points out that it is strange that the Rams decided to allow one of their only star players to walk without securing any direct compensation for him.

The Rams will receive a compensatory pick in 2014 if Jackson ends up signing with a new team. He’s currently 29 years old and will make $7 million for the current season, but comes with plenty of mileage, so it will be interesting to see what kind of market shapes up for him next March.

We’ll add Jackson to our Top 50 Free Agents list in the coming days.