ATLANTA (Reuters) - The Atlanta Falcons have moved to upgrade their offense by agreeing to terms with explosive running back Michael Turner.
Turner spent the last four years with the San Diego Chargers, mostly backing up perennial Pro Bowler LaDainian Tomlinson.
"We are pleased to be able to add a very talented running back and a player who has produced at a high level in this League when given the opportunity," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said on the team's Web site (www.atlantafalcons.com).
"We think he's ready to take the next step and have a more prominent role in an offense and we are happy he decided that opportunity is going to be here in Atlanta."
In four seasons in San Diego, Turner rushed for 1,257 yards and six touchdowns while adding 71 receiving yards.
Turner also delivered three of San Diego's longest 11 rushes in team history (83, 74 and 73 yards) and has a 5.5 yards per carry career average.
Atlanta finished last in the NFC South last season with a 4-12 record with their offense ranking 23rd in the 32-team NFL.
The 26-year-old Turner was signed as an unrestricted free agent.
(Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Trevor Huggins)
