Source: Turner to get approximately $15M guaranteed from Falcons

[kdogg]

The best available running back in the free-agent market has a new home.

Michael Turner, who has been the Chargers' insurance policy for LaDainian Tomlinson, agreed to join the Falcons on Sunday. A source told ESPN.com's Michael Smith that Turner agreed to a six-year contract believed to be worth $34.5 million, with approximately $15 million guaranteed.

The 5-foot-10, 237-pound Turner gained 316 yards on 71 carries with one touchdown last season. During the postseason, with Tomlinson battling a knee injury, Turner gained 164 yards on 43 carries.

"We are pleased to be able to add a very talented running back and a player who has produced at a high level in this League when given the opportunity," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. "We think he's ready to take the next step and have a more prominent role in an offense and we are happy he decided that opportunity is going to be here in Atlanta."

Turner's arrival might mean the end for Warrick Dunn in Atlanta. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has reported that Dunn was expected to be released if Turner was signed.

Turner has 228 carries for 1,257 yards and six touchdowns in four seasons with San Diego. He also has three of the longest 11 carries in team history -- 83, 74 and 73 yards.

He has averaged 5.5 yards per carry in his career.

In a Week 5 game against Denver, Turner set a career-high with 147 yards rushing, including a 74-yard touchdown run, in the Chargers' 41-3 win.

It was Turner's third career 100-yard game.

"Besides being a quality football player, Michael Turner is a quality person," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "He is the type of player we are looking for to help build our football team. I'm excited that he is joining the Atlanta Falcons."

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3273710

Real good signing by Atlanta

 

[DJT]

Does this mean Dunn is done with Atlanta??

 

[dez]

Does this mean Dunn is done with Atlanta??

IDK, i would guess so.

but Im curious to see what he does as a premier back, hopefully Atlanta gets their money's worth...

 

[eLeMeNOhPe]

IDK, i would guess so.

but Im curious to see what he does as a premier back, hopefully Atlanta gets their money's worth...

guess they aren't drafting McFadden now

 

[.GR]

Good signing, now they can focuse elsewhere in the draft.

 

[Yankees2772]

AMAZING signing

 

[Gtown81]

they already released Dunn, didn't they, well as good as this signing is I thought they were going to start Norwood

 

[jarrod2323]

he hasn't been released as of yet - but that's a whole lotta money for a career backup RB... IDC what he's done when he's played. he hasn't shown he can take the load for a full season yet

 

[Yankees2772]

he hasn't been released as of yet - but that's a whole lotta money for a career backup RB... IDC what he's done when he's played. he hasn't shown he can take the load for a full season yet

Larry Johnson was a backup to an excellent record breaking HB and he turned out just fine.

 

[jarrod2323]

he was a first round pick who DID carry the load when Holmes was hurt PRIOR to his big contract - Turner has not done that

 

[ZigZag]

Why waste that much money when you have Jerious Norwood?

 

[Gtown81]

ya but they've seen him play, i'm sure he'll turn out fine jarrod

 

[Yankees2772]

he was a first round pick who DID carry the load when Holmes was hurt PRIOR to his big contract - Turner has not done that

Turner carried the load whenever LT has been hurt...

He has a career 5.5 YPC.

10 carries 147 yards vs Denver.

In 06 he had 13 carries for 138 yards vs Tenn.

The kid has some obvious talent...

If you're only going to get players on your team who have proven themselves, then you won't get any bargains, any steals, and quite frankly, your team won't be very good...

 

[jarrod2323]

but to pay him 30million, when he's unproven to carry more then 100 times in a season is a huge risk.. one that I think that is risky considering there's always rookies who can come in and perform for a lot less

 

[Yankees2772]

but to pay him 30million, when he's unproven to carry more then 100 times in a season is a huge risk.. one that I think that is risky considering there's always rookies who can come in and perform for a lot less

McFadden will likely get paid close to that amount...

15 mill in garuntees isn't very much...

 

[.s31t]

Let the beast run. According to scouts in the league Turner could easily be just as good as LT. Well thats what Ive read around.

 

[Yankees2772]

I've seen Turner play a lot, actually... He is as good as any HB in the league.

It'll be tough behind that o-line, but still... If anyone can do it, I think he's as good of a choice as anyone.

 

[jarrod2323]

well, the Falcons cut Dunn today..


the Lions have already expressed interest

 

[DJT]

No!!! Dunn should go to Tampa.

 

[eLeMeNOhPe]

well, the Falcons cut Dunn today..


the Lions have already expressed interest

WHY, they did a good thing dealing Rogers, now they are going to do a bad thing and sign Dunn..

but hey, thats the Lions we all know!