First, it was Amari Cooper being traded to the Browns for little in return. Then it was Cedrick Wilson signing with the Dolphins. Now, it’s another Dallas Cowboys wide receiver heading to another organization.
After finally earning an opportunity for significant playing time last season due to injuries, Malik Turner came through on his limited opportunities in 2021. Perhaps looking for more of a chance to expand his role even more, Turner is returning to the NFC West and has signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. It will be his third team in five years since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Seattle Seahawks.
Former Cowboys WR Malik Turner signed a one-year contract with the 49ers, source said. Deal includes some guarantees, including $300K of his base salary. Turner took advantage of opportunities in Dallas, but Cowboys seemed intent to move in different direction.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) April 11, 2022
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Coming out of Illinois, Turner battled his way onto the roster and had a solid Year 2 with the Seahawks, totaling a career high 15 catches for 245 yards. Turner bounced on and off the active roster and this led him to signing with the Packers for the following season.
Ahead of the 2020 season, Turner was waived by the Packers and Dallas claimed the 24-year-old and he played in just five games for the Cowboys that year.
In 2021, Turner had his breakout in the second half of the season. A mix of injuries for Cooper, CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup thrusted Turner into a larger role and he stepped up in a big way. During a blowout loss versus the Broncos, Turner made his presence felt with two touchdown grabs that earned him playing time late in the season.
His biggest play of the season came late in a dominant win over Washington, breaking down defenders for a 61-yard gain before being rewarded with a touchdown catch a few plays later.
Cowboys WR Malik Turner for 61 yards. This needs music or Chris Berman sound effects. pic.twitter.com/gxpb2Kqser
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 27, 2021
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Joining the team that eliminated Dallas in 2021, San Francisco may use Turner for his shiftiness alongside star receiver Deebo Samuel.
For the Cowboys, Lamb, Noah Brown and free-agent signing James Washington are the only experienced receivers who will be healthy for Week 1 with Gallup coming off a torn ACL. Dallas appears poised to take a receiver early in the the draft in a few weeks.