The NFL is a business, and whether or not Fred Jackson was worth the money the Buffalo Bills were about to pay him in the 2015 NFL season was the only thing that should have been playing a factor in the team’s decision to release him.
Whenever a veteran player is cut, people feel bad for him. Jackson is a positive, likable guy. He played eight seasons with the Bills, and wanted to retire in Buffalo. But the Bills have released him less than two weeks before the season begins, saving around $2.7 million in cap space, which they say is the main reason for his release.
Jackson wanting to retire with the team should have had nothing to do with the decision. If he’s not good enough to be a running back and especially isn’t worth the money he was about to be paid, then it shouldn’t be that big of a deal for people to accept. Bill Belichick is running what has been the best organization in the league for the last 15 years. Sentiment is never part of the decision making for him.
Jackson rushed for 525 yards last season but also had his best receiving seasons with 501 yards. He’ll now try to find a team before the season begins but at 34, it’s going to be difficult, and he might need someone to get injured for him to get picked up, although he probably can be helpful to teams who need someone to backup their running back.