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Dickerson Trade to Falcons Looks Set : Football: Raiders would get a low-round 1994 draft choice for running back.

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TIMES STAFF WRITER

The Raiders have reached a tentative agreement to trade tailback Eric Dickerson to the Atlanta Falcons for a low-round 1994 draft choice, Dickerson’s agent Marvin Demoff said Friday.

“I think there is an understanding between all three parties,” Demoff said. “Because the NFL office was closed today (for the holiday weekend) I don’t necessarily know that it’s been consummated.

“I think there’s an understanding on the terms of the trade between Atlanta and the Raiders. I know that Atlanta and the Raiders have had talks and the Raiders have spent time talking to Eric. Eric believes he’s going to Atlanta and Atlanta (believes) that he’s being traded to them, but I don’t think it’s actually been finished. It’s just a matter of the formalities being concluded.”

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Raider officials weren’t available for comment Friday and Falcon publicist Charlie Taylor said the trade isn’t official yet.

Raider owner Al Davis, who met with Dickerson for several hours Thursday night, reportedly told Dickerson that he wouldn’t stand in Dickerson’s way.

“They spent a couple hours discussing everything that has transpired since the Raiders got him from Indianapolis last year--what went right and what went wrong,” Demoff said. “I think Davis understands that this is probably best for Eric and the Raiders.

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“I think Eric came to the Raiders with the hope of concluding his career here in Los Angeles. There was so much controversy last year that I think he’s just happy to have it over with and know where he’s going and be clear in his mind how he’s going to be used.”

Dickerson, who had two years remaining on his contract, was scheduled to earn $3 million this season. The Falcons renegotiated his contract and Dickerson has agreed to a reported $1.3-million, one-year deal in Atlanta.

“I think we’ve got it worked out,” Jim Hay, the Falcons’ vice president for finance told the Associated Press.

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Dickerson, 32, the second-leading rusher in NFL history with 13,726 yards in 10 seasons with the Rams, Colts and Raiders, gained 729 yards in 187 carries last season while sharing time with tailbacks Nick Bell and Marcus Allen, who has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Dickerson doesn’t fit into the plans of the Raiders, who plan to use tailbacks Gaston Green and Bell this season.

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