Steven Jackson agrees to deal with Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons agreed to a three-year, $12-million deal with Steven Jackson, considered by most to be the best free-agent running back available.

“I think this is a very big signing for us,” Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff told the Associated Press on Thursday evening. “It continues to bolster our offensive firepower. It gives us not only strength, power in running ability but also the versatility to catch out of the backfield, which is a very important part of this offense.”

Jackson, 29, had 1,042 yards rushing with the St. Louis Rams last season, his eighth straight season with more than 1,000 yards.

“To the AMAZING Atlanta Falcons Owner, GM & Management team, I SINCERELY THANK EACH OF YOU for making this happen. I EAGERLY anticipate 2013!” Jackson tweeted after the deal was announced.

He also tweeted his thanks to the Rams “for believing in me & allowing me to be an integral part of this team for so many years.”

Jackson’s 10,135 yards rushing for his career are the most of any active player. He is also the Rams’ all-time leading rusher.

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