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03-02-2008, 05:48 PM
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."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.