Now that the Atlanta Falcons have signed Chargers free agent running back Michael Turner, expect Warrick Dunn to be released in the next few days.

The Falcons didn't want to dampen their important signing of Turner to a six-year, $34.5-million deal with the sobering departure of one of the team's most productive and popular players.

Dunn, 33, has been prepared for this. At the Super Bowl in Phoenix, Ariz., he told us he would be open to the idea of playing for a playoff contender and finishing his career in either Indianapolis or Tampa Bay.

Dunn averaged just 3.2 yards per carry last season, but the Falcons went away from the zone blocking scheme he thrived in under Jim Mora.

Dunn was in Tampa Saturday night to attend Mike Alstott's retirement party. Suffice to say, he may have bumped into Jon Gruden before the night ended. Or Tony Dungy, for that matter.

Dunn may not be an every down back anymore, but Gruden has always felt he was a perfect fit for his offense because of his ability to catch the football out of the backfield and make splash plays.

At the end of the day, money usually dictates these things. But Dunn still owns a home in Tampa and it would be a nice place to end his career. And have you noticed the Bucs have not signed a free agent running back yet? Hmmmmm.