Entering the 2011 offseason, Falcons running back Jason Snelling, the understudy to starter Michael Turner, was poised to become this year’s Michael Turner -- a career backup who cashes in with a chance to become the starter elsewhere.
The lockout and a stagnant market for veteran running backs kept that from happening, and so Snelling opted to return on a one-year deal, with a chance of pulling a Michael Turner come 2012.
After flirting with the Giants, Chiefs, and Rams, Snelling is happy to be back.
“I’ve got a great relationship with this group of guys,” Snelling said after practice Sunday, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “I’ve been with the team for four years. We’ve built something special here. I’m glad that I’m going to be a part of it moving forward.”
If the Falcons have another great regular season, and if they can finally win a game (or two) in the playoffs, Snelling could put himself in great position to get a better job next year. With 20 teams and counting watching the postseason from home every week, a timely big play or two from Snelling could get him on the radar of a team that is looking for a guy with only five NFL seasons, and plenty of tread on the tires.