Could it be out with Michael Turner and in with Manti T’eo for the Atlanta Falcons? That will be determined over time, but already there are reports that those moves could be in action.
ESPN reported that the team would release Turner, their leading rusher, who is scheduled to make $6.9 million next season.
Turner, 31, rushed for 800 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, splitting time with Jacquizz Rodgers. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Turner was on the field for 503 snaps and Rodgers took part in 502.
Turner is a two-time Pro Bowler who has been with the Falcons for five years after playing his first four years with the San Diego Chargers. He has rushed for 7,338 yards and 66 TDs in 134 career games.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Friday that the Falcons, who played last season with five linebackers, will interview Te’o, the Notre Dame linebacker who was embroiled in the infamous girlfriend scam, at the NFL scouting combine, general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. The Falcons have the 30th overall pick.
“What I’ll say about the Manti Te’o situation is that it’s about us and our responsibility as team builders to break down the situation and determine what truly is the truth,” Dimitroff said to the AJC. “Let’s do our research on him. Let’s not all over react and start throwing darts at him.”
“In this situation, this player is a good football player,” Dimitroff said. “He’ll potentially have a long future in this business. It’s up to us to determine what is right for us as a team.
“He’ll be interviewed by someone from our team. We have a massive congregation here. We have our scouts and our coaches here. We’ll get an opportunity to talk with him and break down the situation. … It’s up to us to drill down and get to the specifics.”
