Lions, Falcons release veteran RBs Reggie Bush, Steven Jackson

Sporting News

The NFL free agency period gets underway on March 10 with a lot of action around the league set to take place. Although the start of free agency is about a week away, teams are already starting to make moves to clear space.

On Wednesday, the Detroit Lions parted ways with veteran running back Reggie Bush, according to Michael Rothstein of ESPN:

Reggie Bush is no longer a member of the Detroit Lions.

The Lions announced the release of the 29-year-old running back Wednesday afternoon, less than two weeks before the start of free agency. The move was initially reported by ESPN Insider Adam Schefter.

Bush signed a four-year deal with the Lions back in March of 2013. Bush cashed in during NFL free agency after an impressive season with the Miami Dolphins in 2012.

Unfortunately for Bush, despite a solid first season in Detroit in which he racked up over 1,500 yards from scrimmage, the injury problems continued to follow the USC product. Bush played in only 11 games last season while rushing for a dismal 297 yards and two touchdowns.

With the Lions attempting to re-sign defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, Bush’s contract coming off the books will help to keep the four-time Pro Bowler in Detroit long-term. Suh will have his fair share of suitors and may be ultimately headed out of town for greener pastures, but the Lions are making the effort to retain him.

Steven Jackson

Along with Bush hitting the free agent market, another veteran running back will also being looking for a new team. According to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com, the Atlanta Falcons have parted ways with Steven Jackson:

The Atlanta Falcons have released veteran running back Steven Jackson, the team announced Thursday, a move that will save the team $3.75 million against the salary cap.

After a successful nine-year stint with the St. Louis Rams, eight of which he rushed for a 1,000 yards or more, Jackson became a free agent and decided to sign with the Falcons. Jackson was hoping for a run or two at a Super Bowl title in Atlanta, but the team fell apart over the last two seasons and now he finds himself being a free agent once again.

Jackson failed to crack the 1,000-yard mark in both of his two seasons in Atlanta and may struggle finding a new team as a starting running back as a result. The veteran running back was able to score seven touchdowns in his first season with the Falcons and six in the second, but his numbers dipped across the board.

At 31, it isn’t beyond the realm of possibility that Jackson considers retiring, but he could receive a call or two from contenders looking to bolster their running game with veteran back.