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It's unlikely at best that Michael Turner will be on the Falcons roster much longer. The running back has given the Falcons a few good years as a feature back, and has been integral to the team's success since coming to Atlanta from San Diego in 2008. The rumor is, Turner will be cut, as he's 31 years old, his productivity has declined and Atlanta is facing some cap challenges in building their 2013 roster.
What Analysts are Saying
Adam Schefter has reported that those ubiquitous and infamous "league sources" are confirming that Atlanta plans to part ways with Turner.
What the Team is Saying
Mike Smith has neither confirmed or denied the rumors about Turner. Will Brinson from CBS Sports believes that Smitty's statement on Turner, which was basically that "tough decisions" have to be made as the Falcons go through the process of "recalibrating" the roster, all but confirm that Turner will not be in Atlanta for much longer.
What Fans are Saying
Falcons fans are, not surprisingly, expressing a wide variety of opinions about this course of action.
Some fans are surprised and/or not happy about this turn of events.
I'm getting more and more sad about thinking about the falcons probably releasing Michael Turner. I hope he retires a falcon.
— Copo (@MarcusCopo_) February 23, 2013
The Falcons released Michael Turner... Are you stupid..
— Darek Drobny(@D_Drobz) February 25, 2013
The falcons are set to release Michael Turner!? I quit. I quit!
— Mo_Blanco (@Mo_Smitty_32) February 23, 2013
Some fans are not sorry to see Turner go.
He fat lol RT @nader723: The Atlanta Falcons are looking to release RB Michael Turner.
— NiNo PurP (@NiNoPurP) February 25, 2013
"@falcons_newz: Michael Turner Expected To Be Released..." Lot of miles on those wheels. Might be good time to move on.
— scott taylor (@sowega_T) February 24, 2013
@mo_smitty_32 big booty Gotta do better 4 that paper. Slim them thighs or something!
— kissthisbeaches (@kissmyculo) February 23, 2013
Some fans are grateful for all Turner did for the team, but accept that it's time to move in a new direction.
Michael Turner it was good while we had you. Thanks for all of the great memories. #falcons
— Morgann Culberson (@mc_mcflyy) February 25, 2013
Honestly, i dont want the falcons to drop michael turner...but i understand why and it isn't a stupid move...thanks Burner
— Pynk Dolfin (@TheDouch3) February 24, 2013
Michael Turner you did great things for the Falcons but sorry we have to release you. You old and dont get no yards now.
— Marcus Staten (@OMG_Nice_Watch) February 23, 2013
Michael Turner was released from the Falcons... he was a good RB but he wasn't gettin the job done.. It was a good 5yrs though..
— JEFF!! (@IAmKingParks) February 23, 2013
Some fans may be overreacting just a little.
"@andrewsims30: Falcons released Michael Turner! "MY LIFE HAS NO MEANING NOW
— ϻaɗî ϻarŷ (@MadiMaryPecht) February 23, 2013
Fans of other teams have some thoughts on the Falcons parting ways with Michael Turner, also.
The Falcons prolly gunna release RB Michael Turner #stupid but my team should pick him up we need him #Steelers
— Skippyjonjones (@JonesySwaq_23) February 23, 2013
Atlanta Falcons to release Michael Turner / reconstruct salary if Turner declines "may I suggest retirement" no team will pay max $$$...
— Prodical Son (@JMCSPORTSBOOK) February 24, 2013
Hey, Raiders...Niners are looking to trade Alex Smith...and Michael Turner has been released by the Falcons....yall can make a move!!
— KalCow (@KalJ) February 26, 2013
But really, Michael Turner, please don't go to New Orleans.
"@handsome1819: #Falcons will release running back Michael Turner...thanks for the memories bro!!" Please don't come to New Orleans!
— Heidi Rushing (@Hlsrush) February 24, 2013
And, there's much discussion of what the Falcons post-Michael Turner plans may be.
@atlanta_falcons release Michael Turner and use Jacquizz Rodgers! He's amazing and you'll save money!
— Kevin Tran (@vietkevintran) February 26, 2013
Falcons think Shonn Greene is a better option at runningback than Michael Turner..sad to be a falcon fan
— Brennan Murphy(@BM4Three) February 26, 2013
So get rid of Michael Turner and bring in... Michael Turner. RT @kffl #NFL news: Falcons | Expected to show interest in Shonn Greene
— James Geist (@jwgeist) February 24, 2013
Although I love Michael Turner, I would not be mad if the FALCONS did get former TEXAS A&M star, Christine Michaels. He's beast!
— Mo_Blanco (@Mo_Smitty_32) February 25, 2013
so the @atlanta_falcons are looking to release my dude Michael Turner to pick up Eddie Lacy? #disappointed
— Joel Austin (@itsjoelmay) February 24, 2013
@atlanta_falcons getting rid of Michael Turner. Wow this is gonna be tough. Looking at Eddie Lacey hopefully. Really going to miss you mike.
— John Terwilliger (@JohnTerwilliger) February 23, 2013
And perhaps my favorite idea...
Sweet action.Falcons "one of the more likely suitors" for Steven Jackson, who wants to play for a potential Super Bowl contender.
— Matt (@mFalcons5) February 26, 2013
Michael Turner is due $6.9 million this season, and cutting him would reportedly save the team $6.5 million. For a team that is going to have to make some big moves to create enough cap space to address roster deficiencies, cutting a 31 year old running back who averaged 3.6 yards per carry this past season for a total of 785 yards is a logical start. Are you in favor of the move? What do you think the Falcons may do to replace Turner?