Packers release Starks after seven seasons
James Starks, who turns 31 later this month, fell out of favour with the Green Bay Packers in 2016.
For years James Starks served as a dependable foot soldier in the Green Bay Packers backfield, defying modern NFL turnover rates, but it appears his run is over.
The Packers released running back Starks on Tuesday after seven seasons and a Super Bowl championship in 2010.
Starks, who turns 31 later this month, fell out of favour with the Packers in 2016, even after starter Eddie Lacy suffered a season-ending injury in week six.
The 2010 sixth-round draft pick underwent midseason knee surgery and never regained a prominent role in the offence, having also sustained a concussion in a car accident on December 12, which ended his season.
Converted wide receiver Ty Montgomery instead saw the majority of snaps as the Packers ended the regular season on a six-game winning streak.
Starks finished with only 63 carries, fewest since his rookie season, and scored two touchdowns — both receiving.
With Lacy also set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, Starks' release leaves the Packers with little to speak of in their backfield save for Montgomery, who led the team with 457 rushing yards.
Starks, now healthy, was set to make $3million in 2017, a potential contributing factor to his release.