The New England Patriots reportedly will bolster their banged-up running back corps Monday.
The Patriots will sign running back Steven Jackson to a one-year contract, a source told ESPN’s Josina Anderson. Jackson went unsigned as a free agent this offseason after spending the 2013 and 2014 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.
Jackson confirmed he’s returning with a tweet Monday morning.
Jackson, 32, has 2,743 career carries with 11,388 yards and 59 touchdowns in 11 seasons. He also has 460 career receptions for 3,663 yards with nine scores.
Jackson was selected No. 24 overall in the 2004 draft by the St. Louis Rams. He spent nine years with the Rams before heading to the Falcons.
Jackson, who’s 6-foot-2, 240 pounds, is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time second-team All-Pro. He was the NFC rushing leader in 2009, when he had 324 carries for 1,416 yars and four touchdowns. His best season came in 2006, when he had 389 total touches for 2,334 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Jackson joins a Patriots backfield that also includes Brandon Bolden, James White and Joey Iosefa. Iosefa and Bolden shared “big back” duties Sunday in the Patriots’ 33-16 win over the Tennessee Titans. White likely will continue to serve as the Patriots’ third-down back.
Thumbnail photo via Jason Getz/USA TODAY Sports Images
