ESPN reports that the Atlanta Falcons cleared some salary cap room Friday, releasing running back Michael Turner, defensive end John Abraham and cornerback Dunta Robinson.
By letting the three veterans go, the Falcons put themselves $15.9 million under the cap, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Turner saved the team $6.4 million, Abraham $5.75 million and Robinson $3.75 million.
Turner, 31, rushed for 800 yards and 10 touchdowns last season as the Falcons reached the NFC Championship Game. He also split time last season with second-year pro Jacquizz Rodgers.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Turner had spent the past five seasons with the Falcons after playing his first four years with the San Diego Chargers. He has rushed for 7,338 yards and 66 TDs in 134 career games.
Acquired by the Falcons from the New York Jets in 2006, the 34-year-old Abraham registered 68 1/2 sacks over seven seasons with the Falcons and has 122 in his career. He collected 10 sacks last season.
Robinson, 30, played three seasons with the Falcons after signing a six-year, $57 million contract in March of 2010. In 47 games with the Falcons, Robinson totaled 214 tackles, four interceptions, 1 1/2 sacks and 24 passes defensed.
It was time to let these high priced players go. Turner was barely getting 3 yards a carry. Abraham was still productive but basically became a situation player. Robinson never really played up to the potential the Falcons hoped for with the money they paid to get him.
Now that the Falcons have some cap money, it will be interesting to see who they target in Free Agency
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