The Buffalo Bills' decision to release veteran running back Fred Jackson in the first round of roster cuts was reportedly carried out through the autonomous authority of general manager Doug Whaley.

Tim Graham of the Buffalo News reported on Sept. 1 that Whaley "went rogue" in cutting Jackson but said the organization would project a united front in public.

Graham explained further on Sept. 2, as his source said Whaley spoke to ownership before cutting Jackson, and although they were surprised, they supported the decision. 

"Going rogue doesn't mean Whaley didn't tell the owners before he did it," the source continued, per Graham. 

Sal Capaccio of WGR 550 added it was members of the coaching staff who disagreed with the decision.

Whaley had nothing but kind things to say about Jackson after the 34-year-old was let go Monday, per Chris Brown of the Bills' official website:

Today, we had to make the difficult decision to release Fred Jackson. He had an incredible career for this organization for the past 10 years. We thank Fred for his hard work, dedication and leadership during his tenure with the Buffalo Bills. Fred has inspired the city of Buffalo in a number of ways. Fred and his family have been dedicated to this community, and we can't thank them enough for their contributions through his career.

The personnel move may not have been personal, but Whaley should have conferred with first-year head coach Rex Ryan and others in the front office before executing the transaction.

The move seems to have been a long time coming if the following inside information from Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio is any indication.

"As a source with knowledge of the situation explained it to PFT on Monday, it's believed Whaley had wanted to cut Jackson since March, and that Whaley preferred Bryce Brown to Jackson," Florio wrote.

Jackson implied Tuesday that he didn't see eye to eye with Whaley.

"There's only one person in that organization that I haven't gotten honesty from, and that was him," Jackson said, per the Buffalo News' Bucky Gleason.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Jackson would meet with the Seattle Seahawks and the two sides expected to strike a deal. Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times highlighted why Seattle is in the market for Jackson, who would be reuniting with former Buffalo teammate Marshawn Lynch:

Bob Condotta @bcondotta

Robert Turbin has high ankle sprain explaining interest in Fred Jackson.

The Bills have to hope this alleged course of action by Whaley doesn't cause friction at different levels of the organization ahead of a season they should be looking forward to with great enthusiasm. There are pieces in place for a playoff run, and new dual-threat quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who was named the starter, has sparked excitement.

Although Jackson had been a franchise cornerstone, the decision to cut him made some football sense. The Bills traded for LeSean McCoy in the offseason and drafted Karlos Williams out of Florida State.

Holdover Anthony Dixon has reunited with new offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who held the same position for three of Dixon's four years in San Francisco. Bryce Brown is also returning.

Buffalo is set at Jackson's position. But the alleged dictatorial nature of Whaley's decision to release Jackson could ruffle a few feathers in the Bills' power structure.

But if the team finds success in 2015 and Whaley's other roster moves pan out, this alleged incident will quickly fade to black.