Will he stay or will he go?
I am talking about Michael “The Burner” Turner. The runner is a restricted free agent, which means he isn’t under contract with San Diego, but the team can place a first-round tender on the back making it very tough for any other team to steal him away this off-season. Well, Scout.com reported on Tuesday that certain team “sources” believe that the Jets would be willing to give up their first-round draft pick in order to acquire Turner, and according to many rumors floating around out there, three to four teams,
including the Jets, are after Turner.Now, before we say anymore, it is important to note that this is the time of year where rumors are created and then crushed weeks later. That said, there are more than just one or even two teams interested in LaDainian Tomlinson’s back-up, so expect at least a few of these rumors to be more than true.
So what does this mean? Well, don’t go giving up first-round fantasy running backs (in redraft leagues) for Michael Turner just yet, but if Turner does end up getting traded into a starting role in 2007, he may just be a first-round fantasy pick himself (redraft). In all leagues and formats, do what you can to quietly acquire the rusher, especially in dynasty and keeper leagues. What is too much to give up? What is just the right price? Well, there is no easy answer to that, as he is no lock to get traded. My advice is to try getting Turner by giving up one, or some, of your upside WRs – and try to do this quickly. Again, the value in this is to grab Turner now while he is cheap – and do not forget that there is a chance he still may stay in San Diego for another season. If this is the case, Turner is a great 7th or 8th round grab. Tomlinson has never carried the ball under 300 times in his six year career and he has rushed the ball 688 times combine for the 2006 and 2005 seasons… we aren’t saying that he is a lock to miss games, but that is a ton of carries. Turner is a great sleeper even in SD.
In one of my leagues, I have been offered the #3 overall pick in our league’s rookie draft for Michael Turner. I said no. With that #3 pick, I could acquire the 3rd best rookie rusher in the 2007 draft class and I can then sign them to a free three year deal (and this is a $200 contract league). Because I have Turner signed to a free two-year deal, I am going to stick with his upside and let the dice roll. Turner could be 2007’s version of Frank Gore if he does start for another team next year.
Other Must Own Sleepers In Keeper-Type Leagues and Redraft Leagues:
Tony Romo – Romo could have a breakout season similar to the one Carson Palmer had back in 2005. We project him to be a top 4ish fantasy QB in 2007, which will make him an absolute steal on draft day. After his bad outing in the playoffs, he may be cheaper than he should be in keeper/dynasty leagues. Go get him.
Vince Young – Young has insane abilities and he had an amazing rookie season. He was so impressive, we believe he could finish the 2007 season in the top 6-7 range, which makes him (like Romo) an absolute steal come draft day in 2007. He may be tough to acquire in keeper/dynasty leagues because everyone knows he will soon be a top quarterback in the NFL… we are just predicting it starts right out of the gate in ‘07.
Keep Your Eye On In Keeper-Type Leagues and Redraft Leagues:
Marion Barber III – With a new coaching staff, we’re betting Barber gets his shot and steps up big-time.
Cedric Benson – Not quite a sleeper, but could have good value in early 2007 drafts and certainly has good value in keeper/dynasty leagues right now.
