Steven Jackson: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on Free-Agent RB

Veteran running back Steven Jackson is reportedly set to sign with the New England Patriots. He's been a free agent since being released by the Atlanta Falcons after the 2014 season.

Continue for updates.

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Jackson Seeks Playoff Opportunity with Pats

Monday, Dec. 21

Josina Anderson of ESPN reported that Jackson will sign with the Patriots today ahead of a Week 16 matchup against the New York Jets. Anderson added that Jackson will sign a one-year deal.

Ed Werder of ESPN reported Dec. 16 that there was "mutual interest" between Jackson and the Patriots. He noted that the 32-year-old previously spent time with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels during their time with the St. Louis Rams.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick declined to respond when asked about the report during his press conference, as captured by WBZ-TV sports producer Joe Giza:  

The Pats recently lost LeGarrette Blount for the season because of a hip injury, and Dion Lewis went down earlier in the year.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said Jackson has been hoping to catch on with a playoff team. It's a stance Jackson originally laid out in May, as Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reported: "That's the thing. I have all the things I've accomplished personally, but I've still never been on a team that won more than eight games. That would be definitely one of the things that I'm looking for is that opportunity in my next chapter."

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Jackson Could Be Latest Steal for Patriots in Belichick Era

Jackson was once among the league's most versatile offensive weapons. He's racked up 11,388 rushing yards, 3,663 receiving yards and 77 total touchdowns across 158 career games.

Most of that success came during his nine-year run with the Rams. His impact dwindled during a two-year stint with the Falcons, though. He averaged fewer than four yards per carry both seasons, lacking the necessary explosiveness to make an impact.

Still, with the Patriots seeking veteran stability in the backfield, this could be a successful short-term partnership. New England would get a player with a solid track record, and Jackson would be able to showcase how much burst he may have left.

And we've learned this over the past 15-plus years: The Patriots typically find ways to help players succeed by finding the right niches.