NFL Rumors: Buffalo Bills Would Be Smart to Extend Fred Jackson's Contract

According to Chris Brown of the Inside the Bills Blog, team GM Buddy Nix has talked with running back Fred Jackson about a contract extension:

"

“Fred and I have visited a couple of times,” said Nix. ”Fred has been vocal some about wanting a new deal and that kind of thing so finally I called him in and we talked twice. I told him we’re going to offer you an extension. He’ll be healthy and he’ll have an extension before he goes to camp."

"

This, in short, would be one of the better decisions by the Buffalo Bills this offseason (aside from the studly defensive free-agent moves, of course).

Fred Jackson is one of the more underrated running backs in the game despite his age. At 31, Jackson's body hasn't gone through the brunt of eight, nine or 10 NFL seasons like most ball-carriers his age.

2011 was only Jackson's fifth NFL season, as he spent time in the Indoor Football League and NFL Europe before hitting the NFL field in 2007. In other words, the level of competition was nowhere near as high, and Jackson was able to continue his development.

Also, his first two seasons with the Bills were spent as the No. 2 back to Marshawn Lynch. Becoming the main running back in 2009, Jackson gained 1,062 yards and averaged 4.5 yards per carry.

During his early years with Buffalo, Jackson was also a reliable receiving back, having caught 105 passes for 878 yards from 2007-2009. In 2010, Jackson remained consistent, with 1,142 total yards and seven touchdowns, but 2011 was slated to be a career year.

Through roughly 10 games last season, Fred Jackson had compiled 934 rushing yards and 442 receiving yards, including six touchdowns. That's an average of 137.6 total yards per game after having two great seasons in the previous years.

Needless to say, Jackson was the main ingredient to a Bills offense that was dominating the beginning stages of 2011. Unfortunately, Buffalo never rebounded once Jackson's season was cut short, and their 5-2 start resulted in a 6-10 campaign.

Still, Jackson's production the past few years as both a Brahma Bull and receiving back have opened up the playbook for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and Co. The Bill also have a reliable No. 2 back in C.J. Spiller, who performed well after Jackson was out.

In today's NFL, despite the pass-happy movement, having that dynamic, dual-threat backfield is a big advantage for any offense. It forces a defense to prepare against more weapons in numerous ways and allows an offense to really utilize every type of field position with varying split-back formations.

Jackson has just three seasons where his body felt the physicality of pro football, so he easily has another four good years left. Provided that he remains healthy throughout 2012, the Buffalo Bills will be a dangerous team for the next four to five years, minimum.

John Rozum on Twitter.