Steelers Have Choices In Crowded RB Free Agent Pool

Dec 14, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (39) walks off of the field after their loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Georgia Dome. The Steelers won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Steven Jackson

The latest casualty in the salary cap dance that teams do every offseason. Jackson has been in the league since 2004 and originally drafted by the St. Louis Rams. Jackson collected eight seasons over 1,000 yards and at one point had 13 rushing TD’s in a single season.

Jackson was due to make $3.75 million in base salary with the Falcons and counted almost $5 million in cap space. Jackson’s performance certainly declined once he reached Atlanta in 2013. The Falcons don’t really have an option under Jackson, but they needed to free up the money.

Jackson, at the height of his career had quick acceleration and decent speed. He hit the hole hard and always lowered his shoulder to make would be tacklers suffer. That has all declined, and Jackson is not really known for his pass blocking skills. He turns 32 in July.

Interesting Fact: Steven Jackson has never been on a team with a winning record. Ever.

Not excited about his entry into the free agency pool, but he could be the best out of who is around should the Steelers decide to choose free agency.

Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush (21) scores on a touchdown run past Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Anthony Hitchens (59) and Sterling Moore (26) during the first quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Reggie Bush

Reggie Bush was another casualty on Thursday. Bush was drafted out of USC by the New Orleans Saints back in 2006. Bush’s early career was plagued by injuries. He still cannot last a season without suffering some sort of debilitating condition that sidelines him for some time. In nine seasons, only one saw Bush suit up for all sixteen games.

That kind of career suffered and kept his numbers low. 2011-2013 were his best season – racking up over 900 yards each season and totaled 16 TD’s. He always showed promise, but injuries have always been and continue to be a major problem with Bush. He turns 30 at the beginning of March.

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He was slated to make $3.25 million in 2015 and count a little over $5 million against the cap. The Lions don’t really gain a huge amount of money back by cutting him before June 1st. They only save $1.7 million in cap space, telling me that there were some larger issues going on.

Bush’s specialty has always been a good receiver out of the back field. Almost half of his total yards from scrimmage came from receptions. That would serve well for the Steelers since much of the offense utilizes Le’Veon Bell’s great receiving skills.

However, Bush may not be very desirable because of his age and affinity for getting injured every season.

Next: Williams & Hillis