Longtime Falcons running back Michel Turner is expected to be released this offseason, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter .
Turner who was signed by the Falcons in 2008, is the franchise's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns with 60, and second all-time in rushing yards with 6,081. His production took a huge dip in 2012, however, when he averaged a measly 3.6 yards per carry and the offense became more pass-oriented. His 3.6 yards per carry was good for 38th best in the league.
Turner is set to earn $6.9 million next season, is 31 years old, and has a backfield mate in Jacquizz Rodgers who is eight years younger, and tallied 53 receptions last year. Turner caught 59 passes in his career as an Atlanta Falcon.
At this stage, these are just rumors but Falcons head coach Mike Smith did not dispel the rumblings at the Scouting Combine during his media availability. "This time of the year there's tough decisions that have to be made. We're recalibrating our roster. Michael's under contract right now and we'll continue to go through the process in terms of how we're going to recalibrate it."
Last year was the first time since 2009 Turner did not reach the 1,000-yard mark, and in 2009 he missed five games due to injury. His 3.6 yards per carry were the lowest of his career and 2012 marked the first time he rushed for fewer than four yards per carry. His 222 carries were also the second-lowest of his Falcons' career-the lowest was 178 in his injury-shortened 2009 campaign.
Turner will join a free agent running back class in which each member has significant doubts to overcome. Ahmad Bradshaw is trying to outrun the perception that he cannot handle a full workload anymore due to foot problems. Reggie Bush has yet to convince the masses that he is a three-down back. Turner will be out to prove that his age, declining speed, and lack of elusiveness were anomalies and not trends.
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