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

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

News of Jackson's release came from a report by Jay Adams through the Falcons' official website.

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

This comes as little surprise, because Jackson has been plagued by injury in a mostly unproductive two-year stay with the Falcons.

After becoming the St. Louis Rams' all-time leading rusher, the opportunity to play for a perceived contender in Atlanta revealed itself for Jackson. Now it's coming to a crashing halt on the heels of two frustrating seasons.

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

New Atlanta offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan deploys zone-blocking running schemes that should open up 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.

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.