The time is now for the Chargers to deal Michael Turner
Adam Schein / Special to FOXSports.com
LaDainian Tomlinson's back-up is a restricted free agent. And San Diego general manager A.J. Smith rightly placed the highest tender on Turner, meaning that if a club signs him to an offer sheet, you must give up a first and a third.
But that's hardly iron-clad compensation.
Just like with Matt Schaub, who also was a restricted free agent, you can negotiate a trade involving players or picks that doesn't equal a first- and a third-rounder.
Throughout the off-season, Smith has told fellow general managers that he was keeping Turner as insurance for Tomlinson this season. Thus, teams like the Jets and Giants went in different directions at running back.
However, at the owner's meetings last week, rumors started swirling that Smith was considering making a trade.
And we absolutely believe that he should.
Simply put — there is a 0 percent chance that Turner wears a Chargers uniform in 2008. He'll be an unrestricted free agent and wants to be and deserves to be a starter in the NFL.
The Chargers are supposed to be a win-now team.
San Diego can get a couple of key draft picks today for Turner.
And Smith can use them on adding depth at linebacker, the defensive backfield and, most especially, wide receiver. Extra picks could equal trading up from 30 in the first round for a long-term pitch and catch partner for Philip Rivers (think someone like Robert Meachem, who most likely won't be there when San Diego picks).
Smith can find a back-up for Tomlinson in the draft or sign a free agent like Kevan Barlow or Chris Brown for a year. And let's face it — the season will be marred for San Diego if something happens to Tomlinson. No reason to keep around his caddy when you can score big using Turner as a chip.
Turner has the potential to blossom into a great back. You talk to current players, like former Charger Reche Caldwell who I talked to last week, and you'll hear them gush about Turner's blend of power and speed and his great hands.
Current teammates such as Rivers, Shaun Philips and Luis Castillo have raved about his upside.
We are talking about a player who in limited duty has averaged six yards per carry over his first three years in the NFL. That says something.
Alas, he'll never reach his full potential playing behind a future Hall of Famer in Tomlinson.
So Smith, unlike what transpired with Drew Brees and Donnie Edwards, needs to deal him now and get something helpful for him.
It would be a savvy move by the Chargers.
There are at least three places Turner would work...
Green Bay
Here's what Packers coach Michael McCarthy said about his running backs on our radio show last week.
"We like Vernand Morency, Noah Herron, P.J. Pope, and Brandon Miree and the running backs working hard for us now. But you are always working hard to improve your football team, and we will definitely add a member or two to that competition. Those things always work out in the wash. You have to create as much competition as you can and I think we have established that."
Of course Green Bay is going to add someone after losing Ahman Green. Several mock drafts have Green Bay plucking Marshawn Lynch with the 16th overall pick. There's an argument to be made that Turner is a better fit. He is ready to start in 2007.
And don't be concerned about Turner being older than players you can draft. He's just 25 and playing behind Tomlinson, he doesn't have the wear and tear on the tires.
Buffalo
This is a perfect fit.
I highly doubt Adrian Peterson will fall to the Bills at 12.
The Bills have two third-round picks this year and next year after the Willis McGahee deal. Marv Levy has the ammunition to get this done.
Turner's work ethic and skill makes him a match for **** Jauron.
Imagine Turner and Anthony Thomas wearing down defenses, serving as balance for J.P. Losman.
I'd give up two Day 1 picks (not the first rounder) to acquire Tuner. That would benefit both clubs.
Tennessee
Tennessee lost Travis Henry after not paying his 2007 bonus. And it's a major blow.
Lendale White remains on the roster, and re-upping Chris Brown (also on the Bills radar) or inking Corey Dillon remain options.
Turner could replace Henry instantly, but as much as I love Turner, I think it would be tough for Tennessee, also desperate for help at receiver and in spots defense, to give up multiple draft picks.
I'm not a huge fan of any of the RBs in this class after Lynch and Peterson. If my team was in position where the addition of Turner > BPA to my team then I could justify it. It really depends on the talent for that particular draft class.
it's hard to gauge
yep, that'll work..
asses out and hits the floor:
