Now, I don’t want to be all gloom-and-doom about this, because Smith also said that he is optimistic because the two sides are in discussions, but this is a major blow to all the puppy dogs and rainbows we have been hearing over the last few weeks. Several other insiders, including Mike Freeman, Pete Prisco, and Albert Breen just to name a few, aren’t convinced that things are worse than everyone thinks, but in my experience, Glazer is almost always spot-on with his reports. He is one of the most informed “insiders” in the business, so if he says something happened, I believe him. The real question is: Is Smith using this to gain leverage in negotiations?

With all of the stories out there about the two sides being close, there is a certain amount of pressure to get this thing done soon. If the players turn down the offer, they are the bad guys for keeping the season from getting started. I think Smith is using this “leaked” story to show the public that the owners are still trying to get one over on the players. We are really getting into crunch time now, so this is the last thing any of us wanted to hear, but I wouldn’t give up all hope just yet. Let’s just all pray that the next report is

St. Louis Rams are now on the clock!

Peter King of SI.com has the base at $72 million, with a maximum value of $78
Chris Mortensen of ESPN says the max is $74 million
Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com, Stafford’s deal is worth $78 million over six years

Nick Wagoner the senior writer for the St. Louis Rams posted a story this afternoon that Steven Jackson has ended his 27 day holdout with the St. Louis Rams.

Jackson is expected to report to the Russell Training Center on Wednesday evening with the understanding that negotiations on a long term contract extension will begin soon after.

It’s expected that a deal for Jackson could be consummated in the next couple of days though there’s no timetable on such an agreement.

Jim Thomas lead St. Louis Rams writer for the St. Louis Post Dispatch also reported that the Rams are negotiating a contract with Steven Jackson as we speak.

Jackson’s agent, Eugene Parker, informed the Rams on Wednesday afternoon that Jackson has agreed to report to Rams Park as a show of good faith in contract negotiations.

In fact, Parker and Rams president of football operations Jay Zygmunt were busy working on a contract extension Wednesday afternoon. It is quite possible that the parties will have agreed to a new contract before Jackson arrives at Rams Park.

Jay Glazer from Fox Sports who likes to report that he reports things first is already trying to turn us against Jackson. Once again the media has a very low opinion of the NFL fans in St. Louis.

It’s likely Jackson will get a rude welcome back from fans in the Rams’ third preseason game against the Ravens on Saturday. The Rams failed to sell out three games last season and Jackson was often critical of the lack of support.

Michael Smith from ESPN with Associated Press information also reports that Jackson is on his way.

Jackson had notified the team of his intentions and was scheduled to arrive in St. Louis from his home in Las Vegas on Wednesday night.