Atlanta Falcons Release RB Warrick Dunn

According to Associated Press, two-time Pro Bowl running back Warrick Dunn was released from the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have decided to go with a younger running game, by signing free agent running back Michael Turner to a six-year deal worth a reported $34.5 million, with $15 million of that guaranteed. Turner will join the running back, Jerious Norwood in the backfield on the Falcons squad.

Dunn spent the past six seasons with the Falcons, rushing for 5,981 in 1,413 carries, and 30 rushing touchdowns, becoming the third best back with the franchise. The highlight of his final season with Atlanta was becoming the 22^nd running back in NFL history to rush for 10,000 yards. He rounded out his 11^th season with 10,181 rushing yards, 47 rushing TDs, as well as 4,009 receiving yards and 15 receiving TDs.

In his final season, he saw his fourth lowest rushing season with a disappointing 720 rushing yards and four touchdowns, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry. All other seasons with lower total yardage were because Dunn did not play due to injury.

Though Dunn didn't fall prey to injury in his final season, he did become a casualty of coaching changes within the Falcons organization, which saw Jim Mora fired and replacement coach Bobby Petrino resign in the midst of a scandalous season, wrecked by Michael Vick's dog fighting charges.

So is there fight left in Warrick Dunn? At 33-years-old he is definitely not the oldest back in the game. In his favor is the fact that he did not endure injuries that kept him from producing last season. The season even saw him tie for the fourth most touchdowns scored in his 11-year stint in the NFL.

It is apparent that Dunn is not quite finished with his playing days yet. Reports state that he would like the opportunity to play with a team that would be a contender for the playoffs, and possibly lead him to a coveted Super Bowl ring. The former 1997, 12^th overall draft pick from Florida State, has spoken of interest in Indianapolis and Tampa Bay. Dunn started his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, under the coaching auspices of current Indianapolis Colts head Tony Dungy.

CBS Sportsline reported that at this late point in his career chances are that Dunn would only be able to land a third string spot and any team's roster, but given a chance there is a possibility that he still has a good amount of gas left in his tank.

Sources:
Associated Press, "RB Warrick Dunn Released by Falcons", USA Today
CBS Sportsline, "Warrick Dunn", Sportsline.com
NFL, "Warrick Dunn", NFL.com