Patriots are reportedly interested in Steven Jackson

Steven Jackson runs the ball in the first quarter against the Saints. Daniel Shirey/USA Today Sports

By Henry McKenna @McKennAnalysis

December 16, 2015

1 minute to read

The Patriots are dusting off old scouting files. They’re meeting Wednesday with 33-year-old free agent running back Steven Jackson, according to ESPN’s Ed Werder.

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The Patriots rostered running backs include Brandon Bolden, James White, Montee Ball, and LeGarrette Blount. However, Blount will reportedly be placed on injured reserve for a hip injury sustained during Week 14 against the Texans. Bolden, who took over Blount’s duties when he left with an injury, has averaged 3.1 yards per carry in 2015.

Jackson, a former Falcons and Rams power back, has long been a player Bill Belichick admired. In 2012, Belichick recalled scouting Jackson during the 2004 NFL Draft process in Las Vegas.

“I went out there and met with him and spent the whole day, pretty much the whole day with him out there — he was a very impressive individual,’’ Belichick said of Jackson, via WEEI. “Obviously a big, strong kid that runs well, that catches the ball very well. That’s very good in the passing game — he’s a little underrated in that area. Good in blitz pickup. A smart guy. Has really had an outstanding career. He was definitely a guy we were very much interested in. Like I said, I personally spent quite a bit of time with him.’’

Jackson also played under Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, when he was the Rams offensive coordinator in 2011.

In 15 games with the Falcons in 2014, Jackson had 190 carries, 707 yards, and six touchdowns. Prior to his two-year stint with the Falcons, he had 1,000-yards or more in eight consecutive seasons.