NFL Rumors: St. Louis Rams Looking to Trade Steven Jackson

With rumors swirling that the Rams are targeting Trent Richardson in the 2012 NFL draft, veteran running back Steven Jackson could soon be on his way out of St. Louis.  

According to Evan Silva of NBC Sports, the Rams will shop Jackson, who has a $7 million base pay in the 2012 and 2013 seasons, during the upcoming draft. This news comes on the heels of a report that Jackson is unhappy with his current contract.

It makes sense that the Rams would do this, given the situation with Jackson. It makes little sense paying that much money, let alone more, for a player who has with as much wear and tear as Jackson. He may have had a fine season in 2011, but it's only a matter of time before he starts declining. 

But the Rams are reportedly gunning for the No. 4 overall selection, held by the Cleveland Browns, and that's what puzzles me.

Why would the Browns give up on Richardson? He fits an immediate need and he could be a superstar. They could be looking at Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon, in which case sliding to No. 6 overall wouldn't matter. But Richardson is widely considered a better prospect than Blackmon and has very few question marks surrounding him.

This could just be the Rams trying to better position themselves. I find it hard to believe the Browns would take on an aging running back when they are still in rebuilding mode. Richardson is the type of prospect you get excited building a team around.

Browns fans better hope this is just talk. The already-ailing franchise can't afford to make any more bone-headed mistakes.

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