NFL Rumors: Fred Jackson's Job in Jeopardy?

Buffalo Bills general manager Buddy Nix insinuated to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio that the starting job will be up for grabs in training camp. Jackson is coming off an injury-shortened 2011 where he had 934 yards. Jackson is looking for an extension as he’s looking for one last contract before he’s thrown to the side.

The issue with Jackson is his age. He’s 31 years old, but he does not have a lot of wear off of his tires. However, most teams are hesitant to give older running backs big money. Jackson deserves it, though, and to his credit, Nix said that the team had plans to extend the running back.

However, how will this play with Jackson going into training camp? What if the negotiations hit a snag or Jackson feels that the team is trying to low-ball him? Spiller only has a couple of years of NFL hits on his legs. Buffalo can easily promote Spiller to starter and find a serviceable backup via free agency.

Spiller is only 24 and had a pretty good year for the Bills in 2011. He averaged over five yards per carry and caught almost 40 balls out of the backfield. He’s a valuable asset to the team and their future plans.

But the bottom line is that Nix and the Bills understand that Jackson still has worth and can contribute to their team and cause. He’s not an old 31 and still has a few good years left in him. Spiller will still take carries away from Jackson, which is good for his long-term health.

Once Jackson and the team work out an extension, everything should be golden in Buffalo. They just signed defensive end Mario Williams to a $96 million deal and have high hopes to make the playoffs in 2012.

There is plenty to hope for in Buffalo and if Jackson loses his starting job, it will be to a 24-year-old running back who may get the team 1,000 yards. Is that so bad?