Steven Jackson could return to St. Louis, but only at a reduced price. (USATSI)

The St. Louis Rams and the agent for Steven Jackson have engaged in preliminary contract talks. Jackson is due to make $7 million in 2013 -- an amount the Rams can't afford -- and the 29-year-old running back is expected to void the final year of his contract and become a free agent.

“We’ve had discussions with Eugene Parker [Jackson’s agent], and thus far things look good,” coach Jeff Fisher told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “I think it’s identifying what both sides want moving forward. Jack knows how I feel about him and that we want him back. But we’ve got time. We’ve got a few more weeks and we’ll see where it goes.”

Jackson must decide by March 12. The Rams are not expected to pay Jackson $7 million -- they're already a couple million dollars over cap -- so the issue is just how far Jackson is willing to come down to stay in St. Louis.

The three-time Pro Bowler has exceeded 1,000 yards rushing in eight of his nine seasons in the league -- all with St. Louis -- going for 1,042 yards and four touchdowns in 2012.

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