By PFW staff
March 3, 2008

New Falcons RB Michael Turner

The Falcons found the bruising running back they were searching for Sunday, signing unrestricted free-agent RB Michael Turner to a six-year deal worth $35 million, with $15 million guaranteed. Turner, who served as LaDainian Tomlinson’s backup in San Diego, has 228 carries for 1,257 yards and six touchdowns in his four-year career.

“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,” said Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff. “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.”

As expected, Falcons veteran RB Warrick Dunn was released Monday, a move the team had already been planning, according to a PFW source.

The PFW spin

Turner, 5-foot-10, 237 pounds, gives Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey the weapon he most desired as he begins to implement a tough, physical scheme, similar to the one he ran with the Steelers from 1996-2000. Nicknamed “Burner,” Turner was considered the best running back available of this year’s free-agent crop and is a coup for Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith, who are just a few months into their new jobs.

Once Dunn is released, Turner will assume the role of No. 1 ballcarrier, but he will be spelled by RB Jerious Norwood, who at 5-foot-11, 204 pounds, is a leaner, speedier option out of the backfield and has shown breakaway ability, though his durability is a concern.

Some may question Atlanta’s decision to throw so much guaranteed money at a running back entering his fifth season, but unlike many of his fellow rushers, Turner hasn’t suffered the wear and tear that often shortens their careers. Turner should be fresh, having averaged just 57 carries per season thus far. While a positive from a health standpoint, the lack of experience is also the biggest negative attached to Turner. He was used to playing in the shadow of Tomlinson, an all-time great, but there will be high expectations and pressure to perform immediately in Atlanta, a franchise starved for success following a 4-12 season, coach Bobby Petrino’s abrupt resignation and the Michael Vick debacle.

Reports say Dunn, an 11-year veteran, is interested in joining a playoff-caliber team. Potential destinations for the 33-year-old include the Cowboys, Colts, Texans and Buccaneers, for whom he played prior to joining the Falcons.