Running back Steven Jackson, the St. Louis Rams' all-time rushing leader, has agreed to a three-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
The deal is worth $12 million with $4 million guaranteed, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Jackson, 29, will replace Falcons starter Michael Turner, who was released before the start of free agency.
Jackson voided the final year of his contract with the Rams on Thursday, becoming an unrestricted free agent.
On his Twitter feed, Jackson thanked the Rams "for believing in me and allowing me to be an integral part of this team for so many years. To all of my esteemed and loyal fans, my heart beats for each and every one of you. Thank you for riding with me the past nine years."
Prior to the start of the 2012 season, the Rams, who are rebuilding with youth, gave Jackson the option of opting out of his contract this offseason.
The move spared the Rams from having to cut Jackson, who was due $7 million in 2013.
Rams owner Stan Kroenke issued a statement on Jackson's departure, praising the running back for his contributions on the field and in the community.
"For nearly a decade, Steven Jackson served as an inspiration for his St. Louis Rams teammates and our fans as he became our franchise's all-time leading rusher,'' Kroenke was quoted as saying. "Off the field, his generosity and unselfishness improved the lives of many families in the St. Louis community. We will always be thankful for his contributions to our team and region and wish him success moving forward."
The Rams lost two of their most potent offensive weapons in less than 24 hours with the departures of wide receiver Danny Amendola, who signed with the New England Patriots, and Jackson.
Jackson has 10,135 yards rushing, the most of any active player. He set career highs with 1,528 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns with St. Louis in 2006.
Last season, Jackson had 1,042 yards rushing and four touchdowns with the Rams.
It was his eighth straight season with more than 1,000 yards rushing.
Jackson averaged 4.1 yards per carry with the Rams last season.
Turner's average of only 3.6 yards per carry last season set a career low. The Falcons released Turner on March 1.
"I think this is a very big signing for us," Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff told The Associated Press. "It continues to bolster our offensive firepower. It gives us not only strength, power in running ability but also the versatility to catch out of the backfield, which is a very important part of this offense."
Contact reporter Steve Korte at skorte@bnd.com or 239-2522.
