The Atlanta Falcons have signed Michael Turner to a 6 year contract worth approximately $34.5 million. Turner, who has been LaDainian Tomlinson backup for the past couple of years, becomes a free agent and with some flashes of greatness in many games, has become the top available runningback in the current free agent market. Turner has that small, compact frame at 5′10 and 237 pounds.
I do not know what the Falcons are thinking here. First there was the thought that they might pickup Darren McFadden who would be a great investment looking at his combine numbers. That thought is gone with this signing. Next, Turner has not played a whole season as starter and is not guaranteed to be an improvement. Also, they have a talented runningback that was never given the chance to start in Jerious Norwood, who looked impressive with his speed. Finally the Falcons have bigger holes to plug than the runningback position. They will most likely draft a quarterback but how about some defense or more anchor on that offensive line.