NFL Rumors: St. Louis Rams Smart to Shop Steven Jackson

Steven Jackson will be a 29-year-old running back when the 2012 NFL season starts, and he is reportedly unhappy with his current contract. He has amassed over 2,000 carries in his eight-year career.

If those things don't scream trade me, I'm not sure what does.

Apparently the St. Louis Rams agree. Evan Silva of NBC Sports and Rotoworld tweets:

"

#Rams will shop Steven Jackson during draft, but $7M base in '12 & '13. So much wear on tires. S-Jax nets 4th-round pick, best case.

— Evan Silva (@evansilva) April 24, 2012"

S-Jack's rushing yards have declined in each of the past three seasons. Players at his position tend to decline significantly at his age, so if the Rams can acquire a fourth-round pick for him, it would be great.

Jackson has been very productive, but he plays perhaps the most expendable position in the game.

This draft is deep with running back prospects like Trent Richardson of Alabama, Doug Martin of Boise State, David Wilson of Virginia Tech, Chris Polk of Washington and others.

Head coach Jeff Fisher would probably love to stockpile draft picks to set this team up for the future. Is a running back pushing 30 a viable part of a rebuilding team's future?

I don't think so.

I also don't think it's wise to select Trent Richardson at No. 6, but I could certainly see using a second-round pick on a potentially dynamic replacement for Jackson. Remember, the Chicago Bears selected Matt Forte in the second round—so there are usually solid players to be had at the position, even after the first 32 selections.

The Rams' roster is turning over and getting younger. Richardson has been a solid contributor for the team for the past eight years. But the time has come for them to part.

The team needs a true No. 1 receiver for Sam Bradford to throw to. That could come in the form of Justin Blackmon from Oklahoma State, if they select him with the sixth overall pick. They could also trade down to add more value to their draft. Either way, the Rams would be wise to proceed without Jackson.

As productive as he has been (9,093 yards and 52 touchdowns), the Rams are 37-91 since he arrived in 2004. So, it isn't as if the team would be parting with a vital aspect of a winning team.

The Rams shouldn't hesitate shipping him to the first team willing to make them an acceptable offer.

In the end, a trade could allow Jackson to hook up with a team that can get the most out of what he has left.

The Rams could move on to the next chapter, and hopefully to a more balanced offense.

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