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The Atlanta Falcons continued their claim to make big moves in free agency by signing Michael “The Burner” Turner to a six year deal. Turner, regarded as one of the top free agents this year, is a powerful running back who has been backing up LT with the San Diego Chargers. This signing probably translates to the end of Warrick Dunn’s career in Atlanta as well as the fact that the Falcons will not be going after McFadden in the April NFL Draft.

I love this pickup. Atlanta now has a bruiser to add to their offensive attack. With Mughelli pushing men out of the way and Turner providing that second set of power, the running game should be ready to go even with a weaker line. This also helps Norwood in some ways by wearing down opponents throughout the game before he comes in to make his name during the second half. Some have claimed Turner may not be ready for every down, but Turner and Norwood will be ready for every down together.

Here’s a great video to showcase the incoming talent known as Michael “The Burner” Turner.

Just to help tally the score, the Falcons have now picked up the following players in free agency, courteous of the Falcons website:

• Erik Coleman – S => “Coleman spent the first four seasons of his career with the New York Jets after being drafted in the fifth round (143rd overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. He has 373 tackles, two sacks and seven interceptions in his career.”
• Von Hutchins – CB => “Hutchins was originally selected in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He spent two seasons in a Colts uniform before joining the Houston Texans in 2006. Hutchins career totals include 142 tackles (112 solo), two interceptions and one interception return for a touchdown.”
• Ben Hartsock – TE => “Hartsock, 6-4, 265 pounds, is a four-year veteran who was originally selected in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. In 45 career games played, he has totaled 24 receptions for 247 yards (10.3 avg.) and a long catch of 27 yards twice.”
• Michael Turner – RB => “Turner, 5-10, 237 pounds, was a fifth round selection by the San Diego Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft. In four seasons with the Chargers, he totaled 228 carries for 1,257 yards and six touchdowns while adding 71 receiving yards as he played behind perennial Pro Bowler and 2005 NFL MVP running back LaDainian Tomlinson. Turner has also accounted for three of San Diego’s longest 11 rushes in team history (83, 74 and 73 yards) while boasting a 5.5 yards per carry career average.”

Now to just trade away D. Hall for more players.