Steven Jackson trade rumors: Dallas Cowboys' payroll could prevent move

There are less than 24 hours to go before Thusday's NFL trading deadline, and one of the most popular targets on the market is St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson. The latest rumors are linking Jackson, 29, to the Dallas Cowboys, who are in need of a running back thanks to an injury to DeMarco Murray. But salary cap issues could get in the way of the Cowboys adding the veteran Jackson to their roster.

Since Murray went down with a foot sprain in mid-October, Dallas' rushing attack has gone south. The Cowboys bottomed out in Sunday's loss to the New York Giants, finishing with just 19 yards on the ground. New lead running back Felix Jones is battling a variety of injuries, and the other running backs on the roster, Phillip Tanner and Lance Dunbar, are inexperienced. With only $5.7 million available in cap space this season, however, Dallas would have to get creative to fit Jackson's $7 million salary.

Jackson has been with the Rams for his entire eight-year career since being drafted out of Oregon State in 2004. This season, he's put up 403 rushing yards and one touchdown in eight games, along with a career-low 3.7 yards per carry. If he's traded before Thursday's deadline, Daryl Richardson stands to become the new lead back for St. Louis, which sits at 3-5 going into its bye week.