Steven Jackson Cut by Falcons: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The Atlanta Falcons announced Thursday that they have parted ways with veteran running back Steven Jackson.

News of Jackson's release came via the Falcons' official website:

ESPN.com's Vaughn McClure analyzed the salary-cap implications of Jackson's departure:

This comes as no surprise, because Jackson has been plagued by injuries in a mostly unproductive two-year stay with the Falcons.

After becoming the St. Louis Rams' all-time leading rusher during his nine-year stint with the franchise—the majority of which the Rams spent under .500—Jackson found an opportunity to play for a perceived contender in Atlanta.

The Falcons won a combined 10 games during Jackson's stay as he averaged far below four yards per carry.

Jackson offered parting words on his website:

"

Now that the Atlanta Falcons and I have parted ways, I want to say thank you to the organization, and the entire city of Atlanta.

In terms of what we hoped to accomplish as a team on the field, my time as a Falcon was a disappointment, but I will always be grateful for how the city and franchise treated me while I was there. Mr. Blank is one of the classiest owners I've been lucky enough to meet, and I feel fortunate to have played for him. I was also fortunate enough to make some tremendous new friends while I was there, and I'll continue to be a big brother to everyone I shared the backfield with. I wish the Falcons nothing but the best moving ahead.

"

New Atlanta offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan deploys zone-blocking running schemes that should open more lanes for the backs and aid the Matt Ryan-led passing game. NFL.com's Marc Sessler didn't see Jackson as a good fit for Shanahan's system:

A capable, more explosive ball-carrier in Devonta Freeman is positioned to move into the Falcons' feature role.

As for the 31-year-old Jackson, it's apparent his best football is behind him. He could be a great veteran presence if he finds a new team, but to envision Jackson as a high-level contributor on the field is a dubious projection.

Jackson made it sound like he has no plans to retire:

"

Make no mistake: I can still punish a defense. I still have a warrior's heart. There are 1,000-yard seasons left in these legs. I know what I am still capable of, and I have every intention of proving it.

"

The value that can be had nowadays through either prove-it contracts or modest mid-round draft investments harms Jackson's open-market prospects. Unless he can rediscover the explosiveness that made him such an elite player in St. Louis, Jackson's NFL future is in relative doubt.