Post by MizzouTiger on Mar 3, 2008 20:12:41 GMT -5
www.kansascity.com/sports/football/story/514394.html
Falcons, Turner agree on deal
Running back Michael Turner, who makes a living dodging pursuers, said Sunday that he enjoyed being chased by the Atlanta Falcons. That’s why he let them catch him.
Turner said he was won over by the Falcons’ aggressive efforts when he agreed to a six-year deal.
“It was really the whole organization and what they’re trying to do,” Turner said when asked what influenced his decision. “Everybody is fresh with a clean slate and trying to build things back up. ... I did not come into the visit expecting to sign so soon. I didn’t know what to expect.”
A four-year veteran 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.
Turner said a factor in his decision was new Falcons coach Mike Smith’s experience as a defensive coordinator with Jacksonville when the Jaguars had success with tailbacks Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew sharing the carries.
The addition of Turner probably signals the end of Warrick Dunn’s time with the team. If the Falcons release Dunn, they will gain about $3 million in salary-cap space.
Turner and a representative of his agent, James “Bus” Cook, wouldn’t confirm an ESPN.com report that his contract with Atlanta is for $34.5 million, with approximately $15 million guaranteed.
Turner (5 feet 10, 237 pounds) had 228 carries for 1,257 yards and six TDs in four seasons with San Diego.
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SAINTS ON THE MARCH
New Orleans was busy Sunday. The team kept one of its own players and added two others. Running back Aaron Stecker, who rushed for a career-high 448 yards last season, agreed to re-sign with the Saints. Bobby McCray, a free-agent defensive end who spent the last four seasons with the Jaguars, agreed to a five-year contract. Randall Gay, a cornerback who played the last four seasons with the Patriots, agreed to a four-year contract.
Falcons, Turner agree on deal
Running back Michael Turner, who makes a living dodging pursuers, said Sunday that he enjoyed being chased by the Atlanta Falcons. That’s why he let them catch him.
Turner said he was won over by the Falcons’ aggressive efforts when he agreed to a six-year deal.
“It was really the whole organization and what they’re trying to do,” Turner said when asked what influenced his decision. “Everybody is fresh with a clean slate and trying to build things back up. ... I did not come into the visit expecting to sign so soon. I didn’t know what to expect.”
A four-year veteran 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.
Turner said a factor in his decision was new Falcons coach Mike Smith’s experience as a defensive coordinator with Jacksonville when the Jaguars had success with tailbacks Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew sharing the carries.
The addition of Turner probably signals the end of Warrick Dunn’s time with the team. If the Falcons release Dunn, they will gain about $3 million in salary-cap space.
Turner and a representative of his agent, James “Bus” Cook, wouldn’t confirm an ESPN.com report that his contract with Atlanta is for $34.5 million, with approximately $15 million guaranteed.
Turner (5 feet 10, 237 pounds) had 228 carries for 1,257 yards and six TDs in four seasons with San Diego.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SAINTS ON THE MARCH
New Orleans was busy Sunday. The team kept one of its own players and added two others. Running back Aaron Stecker, who rushed for a career-high 448 yards last season, agreed to re-sign with the Saints. Bobby McCray, a free-agent defensive end who spent the last four seasons with the Jaguars, agreed to a five-year contract. Randall Gay, a cornerback who played the last four seasons with the Patriots, agreed to a four-year contract.