Steven Jackson, the NFL’s leading active rusher, is cut by Falcons

Steven Jackson thought he was signing with a potential champion when he joined the Atlanta Falcons following their 13-3 campaign in 2012.

He was wrong.

And the Falcons likely were anticipating quite a bit from Jackson, who was coming off his eighth-straight season of running for 1,000-plus yards.

They were wrong.

After two disappointing seasons for both sides, the Falcons cut Jackson on Thursday with one year remaining on his $12-million contract.

Jackson was already the NFL’s leading active rusher after nine seasons with the Rams when he signed with the Falcons in March 2013.

But the three-time Pro Bowler rushed for only 543 yards in 2013 and, while while leading the Falcons with 707 yards to go with six touchdowns last season, averaged only 3.7 yards per carry in 2014.

Meanwhile, the Falcons managed to win just 10 games over those two seasons.

Atlanta’s roster moves didn’t stop with the release of Jackson. On Friday the team cut wide receiver Harry Douglas, who has spent all six of his NFL seasons with the Falcons. After appearing to break through with a 1,067-yard season in 2013, Douglas had only 556 receiving yards in 12 games last season.

The two moves will reportedly save the team more than $7 million in cap space.

Twitter: @chewkiii