Were the NFL trade deadline more like its MLB counterpart, Steven Jackson would be a good bet to be moved by the St. Louis Rams by Thursday's 4 p.m. ET deadline.
After all, Jackson is a name brand who now finds himself splitting carries with Daryl Richardson. The Rams already voided the final year of his deal to grant Jackson free-agent status after the season. Why not just move him now and get a useful part back in return?
Well, for one, deadline deals don't typically come together in the NFL, even when they make sense on paper. Beyond that, the 3-5 Rams still have playoff hopes, and Jackson's presence -- even in a reduced role -- helps them toward that goal.
Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Tuesday, via the team's official website, that he doesn't see Jackson going anywhere.
"The Steven Jackson rumors are rumors," Fisher said, via The Associated Press. "He's our running back, and we're not calling around, nor are we getting calls for that matter. Put that to rest."
If reports are true that teams are interested in Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams, we find it hard to believe no one is poking around about Jackson, who has a superior resume and still has some burst at age 29.
The Rams might not trade Jackson, but that doesn't mean no one else wants him.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @danhanzus.
