Falcons sign RB Jackson
The Atlanta Falcons have found their replacement for Michael Turner by agreeing to terms with free agent Steven Jackson on a three-year, $12 million deal.
The 29-year-old Jackson had 1,042 yards rushing and four touchdowns with the Rams last season. It was his eighth straight season with more than 1,000 yards rushing.
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.
Turner’s average of only 3.6 yards per carry last season set a career low. Jackson averaged 4.1 yards per carry with the Rams.
Pats sign Amendola to replace Welker
The New England Patriots have agreed to terms with receiver Danny Amendola on a deal that would reportedly pay him $31 million over five years, moving quickly after the loss of five-time Pro Bowl selection Wes Welker.
Amendola, 27, is a 5-foot-11, 188-pound former rookie free agent from Texas Tech – the same school as Welker. After signing with the Rams in 2009, Amendola led the NFL with 66 kickoff returns, 1,618 kickoff return yards and 1,978 total return yards.
Amendola has struggled to stay healthy, playing in 16 games only once.
Vikings agree to terms with QB Cassel
A person with knowledge of the deal says the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms with quarterback Matt Cassel.
The Vikings and Cassel came to agreement on Thursday, the same day he was formally released by the Kansas City Chiefs with two years left on his contract.
Cassel spent the last four years in Kansas City. He will replace Joe Webb as Christian Ponder’s backup.
Around the league
Detroit Lions tackle Jeff Backus is retiring, ending a 12-year career in which he missed only one game. … The New York Giants have taken steps to improve their defensive backfield, agreeing to deals with safety Ryan Mundy and cornerback Aaron Ross in free agency. … The New Orleans Saints have signed free-agent cornerback Keenan Lewis to a five-year contract. … Denver Broncos safety Quinton Carter is facing felony charges in Nevada alleging that he cheated at a craps game last weekend at a Las Vegas-area casino, authorities said.