The Falcons parted ways with three big-name veterans Friday. Running back Michael Turner, defensive end John Abraham
and cornerback Dunta Robinson were all on the chopping block. The three cuts save Atlanta $21.4 million and creates $18.7 million in salary-cap space.
Fantasy Analysis:
Abraham will turn 35 in May, but he is still a quality pass-rusher and may be the best defensive end available in free agency. Robinson is definitely not worth the six-year, $57 million contract he is working under, and with three years remaining on that deal, he had to be released. But the biggest fantasy angle here is Turner. He has looked slow -- to put it nicely -- for the past couple of seasons. In 2012, he just looked done as he had his worst year as a Falcon. Turner, 31, will latch on somewhere, most likely as a cheap goal-line runner. While he is no threat in space, Turner has scored 33 touchdowns since the start of 2010.
Jacquizz Rodgers
is now the Falcons' top running back, but that won't last long. They will bring in someone to replace Turner to handle the dirty work between the tackles. Rams running back Steven Jackson is the early favorite to get that gig.
