St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Tuesday that running back Steven Jackson is not for sale.
Trying to end the talk of Jackson possibly being on the market ahead of Thursday’s NFL trade deadline, Fisher said, “The Steven Jackson rumors are rumors. He’s our running back. We’re not calling around nor are we getting calls, for that matter. So, I’ll put that to rest.”
As the season was beginning, the Rams restructured Jackson’s contract, a move that will likely make Jackson an unrestricted free agent after the season.
That fueled speculation that Jackson’s career with the Rams is winding down.
Jackson has been sharing time this season with rookie Daryl Richardson, who has 62 carries for 335 yards (5.4-yard average). Jackson has just 403 yards on 108 attempts (3.7 yards per rush) after eight games, and he is in danger of failing to reach 1,000 yards after hitting that total seven consecutive seasons.
Jackson has one rushing touchdown this season, while Richardson has none.
With a salary of $7 million this season, Jackson was scheduled to be paid $7 next season before the Rams agreed to have his contract become void five days after the Feb. 3 Super Bowl.