Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported earlier this morning that long time Rams running back Steven Jackson will be voiding the last year of his contract with the Rams – as expected.

Thomas nails it in this paragraph:

It’s not a surprising development because all indications have pointed this way over the past several weeks. The Rams simply can’t afford to pay $7 million to a running back who turns 30 this coming summer, which is what Jackson was scheduled to make in 2013. In addition, the move saves the Rams the potential PR backlash of having to release Jackson.

Jackson and the Rams restructured his contract in September of last year with this scenario in mind. Jackson would get his chance to test out the free agency market and if he leaves the Rams wouldn’t be on the wrong end of PR hell.

Steven Jackson running on the Seattle Seahawks (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

This shouldn’t come as surprise but Rams fans were a bit startled reading the news. I understand the dismay, I really do. But try looking at it simply this way. (I apologize in advance if this is harsh.)

You bought the top of the line Cadillac CTS in 2004. It was one of the highest rated cars that year. You loved and cared your car for nine years in turn it performed well for you in great style. But as with any high performance vehicle, over the years despite being well maintained, is starting to show some wear and tear.

2004 Cadillac CTS (Courtesy autos.yahoo.com)

Now you’re at a crossroads. Do you invest money into preserving your cherished tried and true ride or do you let it go and put that money into a new vehicle? It doesn’t mean you love you CTS any less. It just means you’re being realistic and practical. Especially when you have other needs that have to be addressed long term.

For what it’s worth, Jackson shopping his value on the market doesn’t mean he is shutting the door back to the Rams. But if he does return it will have to be a much reduced sticker tag.

The rumor mill has been churning since the report and the short list of teams that may be interested in Jackson’s services include the Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.