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Falcons court free-agent RB Turner
By STEVE WYCHE, D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/01/08
With limited opportunities to play as LaDainian Tomlinson's backup during four seasons in San Diego, Michael Turner typically cashed in on his opportunities. The Falcons hope he cashes in on the chance they're providing him to become their starting tailback.
The Falcons spent Friday, the first day of free agency, wooing Turner, who is considered the top running back available. Tennessee free agent tight end Ben Hartsock also met with the Falcons, and Jacksonville offensive lineman Maurice Williams was involved in contract talks with the team.
The Falcons also are hosting Houston cornerback/safety Von Hutchins, according to his agent, Ken Harris. Harris said all the players were scheduled to spend most of the weekend with Falcons officials and possibly watch the Hawks game at Philips Arena.
No deals were completed Friday. Typically, teams and players who open contract talks early in free agency agree to terms within days, but not always.
That the Falcons are trying to sign Turner (228 carries, 1,257 yards, 6 TDs in his career) points to the expected release of Warrick Dunn, the team's main ball carrier and goodwill ambassador for the past six seasons. If a deal is completed, Dunn likely will be cut immediately to clear nearly $3 million in cap space and to allow him to catch on with another team.
If Turner (5 feet 10, 237 pounds) is signed, the Falcons likely would pass on Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden in the April 26-27 draft. Atlanta has the No. 3 pick and nine selections overall.
The Falcons re-signed quarterback Chris Redman to a two-year contract, with guarantees believed to be in the $2 million range. Redman's re-emergence in the NFL was one of the better comeback stories of last season. His four-year career with Baltimore was derailed by back and shoulder injuries, leaving him out of football for three years.
Redman started the final four games and not only played relatively well, he established confidence among his teammates while finding a groove (career-high 10 TD passes, 90.4 quarterback rating) the team hopes he will build on.
"I'm extremely excited to begin a new season working under the leadership of coach [Mike] Smith, [offensive coordinator] Mike Mularkey and Bill Musgrave [quarterbacks coach]," Redman said in a statement.
The Falcons are expected to draft a quarterback with one of their first three picks (the team has two picks in the second round). Redman, Joey Harrington and D.J. Shockley are the quarterbacks under contract.
Williams (6-5, 315) is sought to help upgrade an offensive line hit hard by injuries at tackle last season. Williams primarily played right tackle for most of his seven seasons with Jacksonville, but he played some left tackle and some right guard.
The Falcons need a starting left tackle after cutting Wayne Gandy. Right tackle Todd Weiner had micro-fracture surgery on a knee late last season, and his availability and durability are question marks. The Falcons are expected to draft players at both tackle spots — Michigan's Jake Long could be targeted for the Falcons' top pick.
Hartsock (6-4, 265) has been a spot starter in his five seasons with the Colts and Titans and is regarded as more of a blocking tight end.
By STEVE WYCHE, D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/01/08
With limited opportunities to play as LaDainian Tomlinson's backup during four seasons in San Diego, Michael Turner typically cashed in on his opportunities. The Falcons hope he cashes in on the chance they're providing him to become their starting tailback.
The Falcons spent Friday, the first day of free agency, wooing Turner, who is considered the top running back available. Tennessee free agent tight end Ben Hartsock also met with the Falcons, and Jacksonville offensive lineman Maurice Williams was involved in contract talks with the team.
The Falcons also are hosting Houston cornerback/safety Von Hutchins, according to his agent, Ken Harris. Harris said all the players were scheduled to spend most of the weekend with Falcons officials and possibly watch the Hawks game at Philips Arena.
No deals were completed Friday. Typically, teams and players who open contract talks early in free agency agree to terms within days, but not always.
That the Falcons are trying to sign Turner (228 carries, 1,257 yards, 6 TDs in his career) points to the expected release of Warrick Dunn, the team's main ball carrier and goodwill ambassador for the past six seasons. If a deal is completed, Dunn likely will be cut immediately to clear nearly $3 million in cap space and to allow him to catch on with another team.
If Turner (5 feet 10, 237 pounds) is signed, the Falcons likely would pass on Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden in the April 26-27 draft. Atlanta has the No. 3 pick and nine selections overall.
The Falcons re-signed quarterback Chris Redman to a two-year contract, with guarantees believed to be in the $2 million range. Redman's re-emergence in the NFL was one of the better comeback stories of last season. His four-year career with Baltimore was derailed by back and shoulder injuries, leaving him out of football for three years.
Redman started the final four games and not only played relatively well, he established confidence among his teammates while finding a groove (career-high 10 TD passes, 90.4 quarterback rating) the team hopes he will build on.
"I'm extremely excited to begin a new season working under the leadership of coach [Mike] Smith, [offensive coordinator] Mike Mularkey and Bill Musgrave [quarterbacks coach]," Redman said in a statement.
The Falcons are expected to draft a quarterback with one of their first three picks (the team has two picks in the second round). Redman, Joey Harrington and D.J. Shockley are the quarterbacks under contract.
Williams (6-5, 315) is sought to help upgrade an offensive line hit hard by injuries at tackle last season. Williams primarily played right tackle for most of his seven seasons with Jacksonville, but he played some left tackle and some right guard.
The Falcons need a starting left tackle after cutting Wayne Gandy. Right tackle Todd Weiner had micro-fracture surgery on a knee late last season, and his availability and durability are question marks. The Falcons are expected to draft players at both tackle spots — Michigan's Jake Long could be targeted for the Falcons' top pick.
Hartsock (6-4, 265) has been a spot starter in his five seasons with the Colts and Titans and is regarded as more of a blocking tight end.