Ex-NIU standout Turner signs with Atl.

ATLANTA -- Michael Turner says he was won over by the Atlanta Falcons' aggressive efforts when he agreed to a six-year deal Sunday.

"It was really the whole organization and what they're trying to do," Turner told The Associated Press on Sunday when asked what influenced his decision. "Everybody is fresh with a clean slate and trying to build things back up. ... I did not come into the visit expecting to sign so soon. I didn't know what to expect."

A four-year veteran who best known as LaDainian Tomlinson's backup in San Diego, Turner is expected to play a more important role with the Falcons. He is projected as the power complement to speed back Jerious Norwood.

Turner said a factor in his decision was new Falcons' coach Mike Smith's experience as a defensive coordinator with Jacksonville when the Jaguars had success with tailbacks Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew sharing the carries.

"It will be interesting with a combo type thing," Turner said. "Coach Smith from Jacksonville knows how that works, so hopefully it will be a good thing."

The addition of Turner likely signals the end of Warrick Dunn's time with the team. If the Falcons release Dunn, they will gain about $3 million in salary cap space.

Turner and a representative of his agent, James "Bus" Cook, wouldn't confirm an ESPN.com report that his contract with Atlanta is for $34.5 million, with approximately $15 million guaranteed.

Turner (5-feet-10, 237 pounds) had 228 carries for 1,257 yards and 6 touchdowns in four seasons with San Diego. He also had 3 of the longest 11 carries in team history -- 83, 74 and 73 yards.

He has averaged 5.5 yards per carry in his career.

Atlanta was Turner's first stop in the free-agency period, and Falcons officials made sure he didn't make any other visits.

Turner began his weekend visit Friday, and attended an Arena Football League game in Atlanta with Falcons owner Arthur Blank, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and Smith on Saturday. Blank also owns the AFL's Georgia Force.

Turner said he also had dinner with Blank.

"He's a great guy," Turner said. "He talked about what he's trying to do with the organization and I respected what he said."

Dimitroff said the Falcons believe Turner is ready to be more than a backup.

"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," Dimitroff said. "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."