Packers Release RB James Starks
The Packers have reportedly released running back James Starks.
Starks, a 2010 sixth round pick, would have counted about $3.6 million against the Packers’ 2017 cap. The 30-year old signed a two year, $6 million contract last offseason.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Starks was released with a non-football injury designation, apparently due to a concussion related to a car accident late in the 2016 season. Starks reportedly crashed his SUV into a semi and missed the final seven games of the season.
Starks was a key member of the Packers’ 2010 Super Bowl run, carrying 81 times for 315 yards and a touchdown in the Packers’ four postseason games. Persistent injuries prevented Starks from every surpassing those efforts, though. He only played a full 16 game schedule twice in seven season with the Packers and never worked as a full-time starter.
His best season was 2013, when he racked up 493 yards and three touchdowns working as Eddie Lacy’s primary backup.
Starks concludes his Packers career with 618 carries for 2,506 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 125 passes for 1,017 yards and six touchdowns.