The Seattle Seahawks have made a notable addition to their defense, signing recently released 49ers linebacker Zeke Turner. The move comes as the Seahawks look to bolster their depth at linebacker following the injury to outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, who was recently placed on injured reserve.
Turner, 27, was cut by the San Francisco 49ers earlier this season after a brief stint with the team. Known primarily for his special teams contributions, Turner spent his first five NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. During that time, he developed a reputation as a standout special teamer, making the 2018 Pro Bowl as a special teams alternate.
#Seahawks sign Zeke Turner to practice squad
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 8, 2024
In his five years with the Cardinals, Turner played in 80 games, logging 48 tackles, one forced fumble, and two pass deflections. While he hasn’t made a huge impact as a starting linebacker, his versatility and experience on special teams will likely provide an immediate boost to the Seahawks’ special teams unit.
Seattle’s decision to sign Turner is a low-risk move that addresses a clear need, especially with Nwosu out and the Seahawks looking for ways to patch up their defense. Though he’s not expected to step into a prominent role on defense, Turner’s ability to contribute on special teams and fill in as needed gives the Seahawks a valuable option as they navigate a challenging stretch in the season.
With injuries piling up, the Seahawks are looking for players who can step in and contribute right away, and Turner fits that bill. It will be interesting to see how the Seahawks use him in their upcoming games as they try to maintain their standing in a competitive NFC West.
