Fred Jackson may be released by the Buffalo Bills

It's one thing to speculate that the Buffalo Bills might cut running back Fred Jackson because he's 34 years old, or because he averaged a career-low 3.7 yards per carry during the 2014 season, or because it would save the team $2.5 million against their 2015 salary cap figure. It's a different matter altogether when the Bills are very clearly in the midst of rebuilding their running back position.

On Sunday, the Bills agreed to terms with top tailback LeSean McCoy on a five-year, $40 million restructured contract with $26.5 million guaranteed. They are also reportedly interested in free agent running back Bilal Powell of the New York Jets as a reserve with special teams ability.

When the Powell reports surfaced on Sunday, Tim Graham of The Buffalo News sent the following observation via Twitter.

I can assure you Fred Jackson is monitoring these Bilal Powell reports closely.

— Tim Graham (@ByTimGraham) March 8, 2015

Since then, the idea that the Bills might part ways with Jackson has picked up steam, to the point that fans are now bracing themselves for the jettisoning of one of the team's most popular players for a second consecutive week (following last week's trade of Kiko Alonso).

Bills' decision on Fred Jackson will have nothing to do with Bilal Powell. McCoy is clear 1. Bills like Brown as 2. Want special teamer 3.

— Tim Graham (@ByTimGraham) March 8, 2015

Jackson, 34, has spent the entirety of his eight-year career with the Bills. In that time frame, he has rushed 1,279 times for 5,646 yards and 30 touchdowns, while adding 322 receptions, 2,640 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns through the air. He has one year remaining on a contract that he signed last May.