Report: Justin Forsett to garner interest from Atlanta Falcons
By Brad Rowland
The running back position has been a point of contention for many followers of the Atlanta Falcons in recent seasons, and a new and interesting name has emerged as a potential target. Vaughn McClure of ESPN reports that the Falcons “will have strong interest in running back Justin Forsett if he hits the free-agent market” this offseason.
Forsett put together a career season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2014, rushing for 1,266 yards (on 5.4 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns. However, Forsett will turn 30 years old in the middle of the 2015 season, and that presumably has some effect on his earning potential in free agency.
Buried in the midst of the report about Forsett came some “news” about incumbent running back Steven Jackson, as McClure reports that he is expected to be released.
"The Falcons want to upgrade the running back position, with aging veteran Steven Jackson expected to be released. The team has yet to talk to Jackson about his status because he was traveling."
Jackson being on the chopping block should come as no surprise, especially with the potential emergence of second-year running back Devonta Freeman, but it is an important housekeeping item.
Justin Forsett doesn’t profile as a long-term solution, but he would be a highly interesting candidate as a starter in 2015 if the price is right.