Michael Turner: Could RB-Needy Team Be in His Future?

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The New York Giants didn’t exactly start the season the way they saw it happening. Against their divisional rival Dallas Cowboys, Eli Manning threw for 450 yards while also leading an offense that turned the ball over six times. Part of that problem in the turnover department came from starting running back David Wilson who fumbled on two occasions.

Due to the inability to hang onto the ball, Wilson began carrying a football everywhere with him — even to the bathroom — just to get back into the swing of things mentally. However, due to the injury to Andre Brown the Giants had to make a move for insurance. This past week, they signed former New York running back Brandon Jacobs.

The Jacobs signing wasn’t their very best option for the long haul, but Jacobs knows the offense and that was a plus. If he doesn’t wind up adding much to the team, though, what will they do?

Another name constantly brought up with the Giants has been free agent Michael Turner. The former Atlanta Falcons back has five straight seasons with at least 800 yards rushing, including three 1,300-plus yard years. In 2012, he led the Falcons with 10 rushing touchdowns but has yet to be picked up by a team in 2013.

Turner is a bit more versatile than Jacobs, but still possesses that power they need on the goal line. For the Giants, they have to keep all their options open and bringing in Turner would actually be worth it. There is no need to panic over Wilson’s performance just yet, but giving the kid some competition with veterans that can still get it done is a smart idea.

The Giants absolutely could and should end up signing Turner to fill the need at running back. Wilson is not necessarily a proven number one guy just yet, and Jacobs is still a goal-line option at best. New York would be wise to strongly consider Turner in the near future.

Ryan Heckman is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmheckman, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.