Falcons cut Warrick Dunn

ATLANTA (AP) - Warrick Dunn was released by the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, one day after the club signed free agent Michael Turner.

Last season, Dunn became the 22nd back in NFL history to rush for 10,000 yards. But his days in Atlanta were numbered after the Falcons doled out a six-year contract to Turner, reportedly for $34.5 million with about $15 million guaranteed.

The 33-year-old Dunn had three straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Falcons, helping the team lead the NFL in rushing from 2004-06. He ran for a career-high 1,416 yards in 2005, earning his third Pro Bowl appearance.

But the 11-year veteran found little room to run after the Falcons fired coach Jim Mora and brought in Bobby Petrino. Dunn rushed for just 720 yards and averaged 3.2 yards per carry during a dismal 4-12 season, which was marred by Michael Vick's dogfighting case and Petrino's sudden resignation 13 games into his debut season.

With a new coach and general manager, the Falcons decided to go for a younger running back, signing Turner to team with 24-year-old Jerious Norwood.