Falcons agree to terms with RB Steven Jackson

For the duration of Steven Jackson's career with the Rams, the team never won more than eight games. He'll finally get his shot at playing on a contender, as the Falcons agreed to terms on a three-year deal with Jackson, CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora reports. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the deal is worth $12 million.

The obvious design of the Jackson signing, which was first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, is in helping push the Falcons over the top and the Falcons giving Jackson a shot at a record above .500.

Atlanta cut previous starting running back Michael Turner earlier this offseason, leaving them with Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling as their available running backs. Getting Jackson alleviates the need to burn a first-round pick on someone like Eddy Lacy out of Alabama.

Jackson's got a lot of mileage: He's in between O.J. Simpson and Jim Brown on the all-time carries list, despite only being 29-years-old (and turning 30 before the season starts). But he's still got a few good years left in him, and there's no question he'll be an immediate improvement over Turner.

Personally, I love the signing for Atlanta: It fills a critical need (they still need a pass rusher and a cornerback, however) and it should improve their already stout offense as they head into the 2013 season.