Chargers: All deals off the burner

By: MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | Monday, April 30, 2007 11:09 PM PDT ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- Michael Turner is officially off the trading block. Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said Monday that Turner will remain with the team through the entire 2007 season. Smith shopped the running back leading up to last weekend's NFL draft but decided to keep him after a Monday morning meeting with coach Norv Turner.

"We had a personnel meeting this morning with Norv, and we decided that's it," Smith said. "He will be here for '07. He will not be on the trading block all the way through the October (trading deadline), as you know he could be.

"I made a couple phone calls to a couple teams that were on the outside monitoring some things and informed them of our decision. I'm sure the rest of the clubs will realize 'Don't call.' We're done."

Turner became a restricted free agent after last season, and interest was originally lukewarm because the Chargers placed the "high tender" on him. The move guaranteed Turner at least a $2.35 million salary with the Chargers for this season and also meant a team signing him to an offer sheet would be required to give up first- and third-round draft picks to land him.

Teams badly in need of a running back ---- such as Tennessee, Buffalo and Green Bay ---- weren't interested in paying that price and allowed the restricted free-agency period to end on April 20 without signing Turner to an offer sheet. Turner visited the Titans and Bills during the free-agent process.

Smith continued trade discussions leading up to the NFL draft and during Saturday's first day without reaching a deal. No team inquired about Turner on the draft's second day.

Smith said the decision is final and won't change should other teams inquire about Turner at a later date.

"My message to the other clubs is, even in minicamp when people get hurt, even in training camp when people get hurt and even during the regular season when running backs get hurt, don't call us," Smith said. "He's not available. He's a San Diego Charger. All parties are happy, so that's it."

Turner, 25, averaged an impressive 6.3 yards per carry last season while rushing for 502 yards on 80 carries.

But with NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson in front of him, Turner could only be a starter in 2007 if he moved to another team.

Smith stated all along that he was fine with retaining Turner and allowing him to depart following the season. Smith projects that the Chargers will receive a third-round compensatory pick in the 2008 draft after Turner leaves as an unrestricted free agent.

The retention of Turner gives the Chargers a valuable insurance policy should Tomlinson get injured.

Tomlinson, who turns 28 in June, has missed only one game because of injury through his first six NFL seasons.

It remains to be seen if Turner's carries will increase this season, but new coach Norv Turner likes the way the back was used last season under former coach Marty Schottenheimer and former offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.

"Using Michael the way he was used a year ago is pretty good," Turner said. "Then we can continue to build on that. There will be packages for Michael and L.T. to be in the game together.

"There's obviously going to be times when we want to run the football. Having the change of pace for L.T. was very productive last year, and I think it will continue to be productive."

Michael Turner will also be one of the team's kickoff returners. He averaged 26.5 yards on 36 returns last season.

In another development, veteran inside linebacker Randall Godfrey won't return to the Chargers, which comes as no surprise. Smith stated in early April that he wanted a signed contract from Godfrey before the draft or the team would move on.

Chargers note

The team announced the signing of 23 free agents to two-year contracts on Monday. Antwan Applewhite, a defensive end from San Diego State who bypassed his senior season and went undrafted, was signed as an outside linebacker. FB Mike Warren was the only signee who isn't an undrafted rookie. Warren spent part of last season on New Orleans' practice squad.

Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com.

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