The dust has been settling as NFL Free Agency rolls on, but the Arizona Cardinals have lost a special teams and defensive figure away from their roster.
KPRC 2 Houston NFL reporter Aaron Wilson stated that free agent linebacker Ezekiel Turner is joining an NFC West Rival of the Cardinals, the San Francisco 49ers.
“Ezekiel Turner gets a one-year deal with 49ers with [a] prime opportunity to showcase skill at Iinebacker and as a core special teams contributor,” Wilson said.
To become a pro, the University of Washington product would sign with Arizona as an undrafted free agent back on April 30, 2018.
Turner played six seasons (2018-23) on the Cardinals across 80 games (three starts) and grabbed 83 tackles. He forced a fumble in the 2022 season.
During his rookie year, Turner finished third in the NFL in total special teams tackles (16). Because of his efforts on special teams, the Maryland native made the Pro Football Writers of America‘s All-Rookie Team.
On Oct 13, 2021, the 6-foot-2, 214-pounder suffered a shoulder injury which kept him out for two months.
The Cardinals recently signed free agent LB Mack Wilson on Monday, and there were no guarantees that Turner would return as a result of this addition.
Turner will now join an already stacked defensive core in San Francisco who are looking to regroup after losing Super Bowl LVIII. If he were to grasp the same role as he had in Arizona, the 49ers would get a player who can be dependable when relied upon.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, exclusive content, and access to our seasonal magazines! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Alec Cipollini covers Phoenix Sports News for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
More must-reads: