August 10, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Brandon Jacobs (45) carries the ball during the first quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

Jacobs currently sits third on the depth chart in San Francisco, behind Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter. The 49ers also picked up running back LaMichael James in the second round of this year’s NFL Draft.

Although he hasn’t requested a trade out of the Bay area, Jacobs can not be happy with his current situation. The eight year veteran has exactly “zero” carries so far this year after injuring his knee in the pre-season. Jacobs claims he’s health enough to play and has been for about a month. Still, the 49ers coaching staff continues to place him on the inactive list. Jacobs is clearly just insurance for the often injured Frank Gore. But a mid-round draft pick or two may be just enough to pry him loose.

Dallas is rumored to have inquired about the availability of  St. Louis Ram’s veteran running back Steven Jackson. Ram’s head coach Jeff Fisher all but dispelled that rumor earlier this week be proclaiming they intend to keep Jackson for the rest of the season. Jacobs would be a logical alternative. A power back like Jacobs would make a nice  complement to the shifty DeMarco Murray.

The former fourth round pick out of Southern Illinois has rushed for nearly 5,000 yards and has had 60 touchdowns in his seven year career. Jacobs turned 30 in July. He was released by the Giants earlier this year after a contract despite. New York then drafted rookie running back David Wilson in the first round of  this year’s NFL Draft. They also found a hidden gem in journeyman back Andre Brown.

Salary-wise,  Jacobs signed a one-year, $1.575 million contract with the 49ers in March. This is a steal for a veteran running back of his stature.

With the recent play of back-up Felix Jones,  Dallas should really consider making this deal. Jacobs would be an immediate upgrade to their ailing backfield and should make the easiest of transitions. At 6-4 and 264 lbs., Jacobs would also be an tremendous asset in the short yardage game, which the Cowboys have struggled with.

Oct 14 2012; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) is tackled by Miami Dolphins defensive end Jared Odrick (98) in the first quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

There was no official confirmation about the inquiry from either party, but Dallas certainly has a need at the position. On Sunday, Dallas rushed for 19 yards total in a loss to the New York Giants. Starting running back DeMarco Murray has been sidelined with a foot injury. His replacement, veteran Felix Jones, underwhelmed in his performance and is in the final year of his contract. Behind Jones and Murray are inexperienced second year back Phillip Tanner and rookie Lance Dunbar.

With Jones on his way out of Dallas and Murray’s injury history, a stable force at running back could be just what Dallas needs right now. The biggest question is at what price? Dallas has Jones and disgruntled cornerback Mike Jenkins as possible trade bait. Also to be considered could be wide receiver Dez  Bryant. But if a deal was done between Dallas and St. Louis, I would suspect it would only involve draft picks. Sports Illustrated’s Peter King is reporting the Rams will take nothing less than a 3rd rounder for the 9th year veteran out of Oregon State.

The biggest obstacle in this possible trade would involve the salary cap. Dallas is cap stricken as it is and Jackson is in the final year of a recently amended contract. He was signed by the Rams through 2013, but had the final year voided earlier this month to become a free agent at season’s end. Jackson was scheduled to make $7 million next year in base salary, which is the same amount he’s making this season. Pro Talk Football reports the Cowboys’ salary cap to be $5.7 million as of September 2012.

Many Dallas fans will remember Jackson as “the back who got away“. In the 2004 NFL Draft, the Cowboys opted to trade their first round pick (22nd overall) to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for their second round pick (43rd overall), fifth round pick (144th overall), and first round pick in 2005. Jackson was selected by the Rams just two picks later. Dallas used their new picks to acquire running back Julius Jones from Notre Dame, tight end Sean Ryan from Boston College and defensive end Marcus Spears from LSU respectively.

Jackson is in the midst of a rather dismal season in St. Louis. So far this year, he has recorded 403 rushing yards and one touchdown. Jackson is averaging 3.7 yards a carry,  the lowest in his career. As the Ram’s lone bright spot for much of his nine seasons, one might wonder just how much tread is left on the veteran’s tires? Especially considering the workhorse manner in which the Rams have used him for so many years.