|
 |
|
| Author |
Message |
PWTRPWR
Buccaroo
User is Offline
Joined: 27 Sep 2007
Posts: 981
 6359
|
| Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 5:56 pm Post subject: Falcons sign Turner |
|
|
ATLANTA - Michael Turner, considered perhaps the top running back available in free agency, agreed to a six-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
A four-year veteran who has been best known as LaDainian Tomlinson's backup in San Diego, Turner is expected to play a more important role with the Falcons. He is projected as the power complement to speed back Jerious Norwood.
The addition of Turner likely signals the end of Warrick Dunn's time as the starter.
Turner (5-10, 237) 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.
Atlanta was Turner's first stop in the free-agency period, and Falcons officials made sure he didn't make any other visits.
Turner began his weekend visit on Friday, and attended an Arena Football League game in Atlanta with Falcons coach Mike Smith and general manager Thomas Dimitroff on Saturday. Falcons owner Arthur Blank also owns the AFL's Georgia Force.
"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," 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 showed his potential as a starter when given the chance to fill in for Tomlinson.
Turner rushed for 316 yards on 71 carries last season and added 164 yards on 43 carries in the playoffs.
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," 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."
The Falcons already have added four free agents. The team also agreed to terms with tight end Ben Hartsock of Tennessee on Sunday.
Hartsock (6-4, 265) is a four-year veteran who was drafted in the third round in 2004 by Indianapolis and had 12 catches for 138 yards with Tennessee last season.
The Falcons signed defensive backs Erik Coleman and Von Hutchins on Saturday and re-signed quarterback Chris Redman, who finished the 2007 season as the starter.
_________________
 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
BF57
General Manager
User is Offline
Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 376
13308
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 2:12 am Post subject: |
|
|
| I don't know what the $$ was he signed for, but I think ATL is taken a big chance on this guy. He has never started for a entire season, and may not last. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
fan4ever
Buccaroo
User is Offline
Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 587
Location: Central Florida
1988
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 8:47 am Post subject: |
|
|
I think it's a good signing...the Falcons are going to be vastly improved next year!
_________________
Thanks, Pwtr! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
BF57
General Manager
User is Offline
Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 376
13308
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 4:18 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| fan4ever wrote: |
| I think it's a good signing...the Falcons are going to be vastly improved next year! |
Who is their QB? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
All times are GMT - 4 Hours
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
    
| |
|
