Don't panic yet. Adam Caplan of Scout.com is reporting that Chargers RB Michael Turner has signed his tender offer, putting him under contract for one year at $2.35 million.
From Pro Football Talk:
Also, it could be that G.M. A.J. Smith (a confirmed hardass and proud of it) told Turner's agent, Bus Cook, that if Turner didn't sign the tender before the draft, Smith would use a second-day pick on a running back, and give that guy every opportunity to be the primary backup in 2007, rendering Turner irrelevant in 2007 -- and potentially less valuable in free agency.
As we see it, Turner's not going to get any more than $2.35 million in 2007; all he can do at this point is try to maximize what he'll make in 2008. The only way to do that is to fully commit to the Chargers for the coming season.
Of course, it also could be that the Chargers are close to working out a trade for Turner, since Turner has to sign the tender offer as a precursor to any trade.
I tend to agree with PFT in that A.J. Smith is closer to working out a trade for Turner. Why? Because of all the speculation surrounding Larry Johnson. The fact that the Chiefs are even rumored to be shopping Johnson severely hampers Turner's value - why would anyone want Turner for a first when they could get Johnson for just a bit steeper price? Smith is now realizing that if he's going to make a move, it's got to be quick. Just my two cents.
Anybody think that Turner will be gone to a new team by Saturday night?