Flowery Branch, GA (Sports Network) - Seeking to join a contender after
deciding to test the free agent market, Steven Jackson has found one.
The eight-time 1,000-yard rusher reached agreement with the Atlanta Falcons on
a three-year contract Thursday, as the defending NFC South champions nabbed
the best available running back on this year's market.
Jackson comes to Atlanta after an outstanding nine-year tenure with the St.
Louis Rams, during which he amassed 10,135 rushing yards and added another
3,324 on 407 receptions while making the Pro Bowl three times.
Though the steady veteran will turn 30 in July, he put together another
productive season in 2012, reaching the 1,000-yard plateau for the eighth
consecutive year (1,042) and averaging a solid 4.2 yards per carry along with
38 receptions.
Jackson opted out of the final year of his contract with the Rams last week
with the hopes of landing with a team that had a better opportunity to reach
the Super Bowl, as St. Louis hasn't made the playoffs since his rookie
campaign of 2004. Atlanta, which went 13-3 and advanced to the NFC
Championship last season, and Green Bay were reported to be near the top of
his wish list.
The Falcons were in need of a power back as well after releasing leading
rusher Michael Turner earlier this month.
The Sports Network