Steven Jackson signs with Falcons

Mar 14, 2013 - 10:05 PM 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.