Falcons Interested in Steven Jackson?

Veteran Rams running back Steven Jackson will void the final year of his contract with St. Louis and test the free agent market, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and the Atlanta Falcons may be one of Jackson's suitors.

The Falcons are expected to release long-time running back Michael Turner, the franchise leader in rushing touchdowns and second all-time leader in rushing yards, which would leave an obvious opening for Jackson to take over. Jackson is 29 years old and has a lot of mileage on his legs; his odometer reads 2,395 carries. Jackson has rushed for 1,000 yards or more in every season since 2005, however, and a proven commodity like that figures to mesh well with an Atlanta team built to win immediately. Jackson is also a threat in the passing game, and Turner was not, which may have limited the Falcons' offense to an extent. As 2012 wore on, the Falcons leaned more and more on the versatile Jacquizz Rodgers rather than Turner.

Another team potentially interested in pursuing Jackson is the Tennessee Titans, although they have a star running back, Chris Johnson, firmly entrenched. Johnson had an up-and-down 2012 campaign, rushing for over 120 yards five times and fewer than 30 yards five times. He finished the year with 1,243 yards and six rushing touchdowns. With Jackson in the fold, they would be a power and speed combination, rather than Jackson in his familiar role as lead back. The Titans have been open about wanting to bring Johnson help in the running game.

The San Diego Chargers reportedly have interest in Jackson as well, due to Ryan Mathews disappointing season and inability to stay healthy. Mathews has been injured in each of his first three NFL seasons and started just nine games twice. When on the field, Mathews has been a dynamic threat to run or catch the football and averaged 87.6 yards from scrimmage per game, but also showed difficulty hanging on to the ball. Mathews has fumbled the ball 12 times in his three-year career.