The Atlanta Falcons have announced the signing of former San Diego Chargers running back Michael Turner, one of the biggest names in this year's NFL free agency sweepstakes.
No financial details have been released, but ESPN reported that Turner will get a $15 million guarantee on a six-year, $34.5 million contract. That's good money, but it's less than Bernard Berrian got from the Vikings, and not many people would have predicted that before the free agency period started.
Turner has never been a featured back, having served as LaDainian Tomlinson's backup for his entire NFL career. In Atlanta he may still serve as a backup: He will split carries with Jerious Norwood and might end up behind Norwood on the depth chart.
There has been talk in league circles that Turner was disappointed with the initial offers he was getting when he became a free agent, which may be a reflection of the general sense in the NFL that running backs are not as important as players at other positions. Turner is, however, and important part of the rebuilding project in Atlanta.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-02-2008 @ 4:53PM
Rusty Trombone said...
you know, with all the holes they have to fill, and jerious norwood on the roster, this seems like a horrible waste of cap space that could be better allocated elsewhere.
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3-03-2008 @ 6:02AM
Greg said...
I don't think this is at all a waste of cap space. They absolutely needed a power back with speed. Who is available, draft or FA, that's better than Turner? When they draft Jake Long, and sign Jacksonville's Maurice Williams, they'll have the O-line practically fixed. Then they can work on linebacker and D-line. This is shaping up pretty good.
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3-02-2008 @ 9:20PM
super bowl bet said...
Turner is over rated and won't be much help to Atlanta.
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3-02-2008 @ 10:06PM
Double T said...
bears could have used him. I guess letting Berrian go and not signing him or turner tells me they dont give a damn about offense. i guess cedric fatss will stay with the team. Complete lack of desire..he has
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3-02-2008 @ 11:21PM
chargerfan said...
Turner is in no way overrated -- we are diehard charger fans and, having watched him the past few years, any team would be lucky to have him. He could have been a starter with any team...
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3-02-2008 @ 11:58PM
Tim said...
Turner is one heck of a pick up for any team. I think he should have went to a team that really needs a young running back like Arizona.
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3-03-2008 @ 3:45PM
Brenden said...
Wow. This is a bad move for Atlanta. They had McFadden gift wrapped and waiting for them in the draft, or at the very least, the leverage to deal with other teams who might want to trade up to get him. Instead, they blow 35mil on a guy who was a 5th rounder and couldn't even muster an 80 yard game when LT was hurt in the post season. I'm just amazed that ATL would do something so dumb. I hope McFadden has a break-out season and really makes ATL look inept.
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3-08-2008 @ 11:45PM
matt said...
turner coulda stuck with the winning bolts , but instead is headin to a losin falcons bunch. good luck in the atl- micheal and thx for some great memories in sd , go bolts..
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