Rams RB Steven Jackson unhappy with contract, wants new deal

St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson is unhappy with his contract and would like to renegotiate it, a league source said Monday.

Jackson signed a six-year, $44.8 million deal in 2008 and is scheduled to receive $7 million in base salary in 2012 and 2013.

Given Jackson's dissatisfaction, it might make sense for the Rams to try to select a running back, such as Alabama's Trent Richardson, in this week's NFL draft. The Rams currently have the No. 6 overall pick but could try to trade up for Richardson, whom some link to the Cleveland Browns (No. 4) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 5).

Jackson said in a recent interview with KFXX-AM in Portland (via SportsRadioInterviews.com) that while he knows the Rams will draft the "best available" player, he'd like to see the team add a receiver who can stretch the field.

"Me personally, I think that's the way we should go in the first round ... adding some more tools and talent around (quarterback) Sam (Bradford) so he can definitely show his ability to be an elite quarterback," Jackson said.

Jackson told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch last week that he isn't concerned about the chance the Rams could draft a running back.

"The Rams are going to do what's best for the Rams," Jackson said. "I understand that. It's a business."

Jackson, 28, rushed for 1,145 yards and five touchdowns last season, his eighth in the NFL. The Rams made Jackson the 24th overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, and he went on to make the Pro Bowl three times. He has 9,093 rushing yards and 52 touchdowns in his career.

Follow Michael Lombardi on Twitter @michaelombardi.