Cardinals LB, special teams standout Ezekiel Turner signs 1-year tender

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Ezekiel Turner signed his one-year tender on Monday, the team announced.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported back in March that Turner would be tendered at the right of first refusal level, which pays him $2.1 million.

In 16 games last season, Turner recorded 15 tackles on special teams, matching a team high. He also blocked two punts and completed his first career pass attempt on a fake punt for 26 yards.

Turner was on the field for 348 special team snaps (78.7%), leading all Cardinals special teamers in 2020. Linebacker Dennis Gardeck, who also signed a one-year tender along with Kylie Fitts this offseason, was second on the team with 315 (71.2%).

Over the course of Turner’s three-year career with Arizona, the 2018 undrafted rookie free agent out of Washington has 43 special teams tackles in 44 games (one start).

As a rookie in 2018, Turner earned Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie honors after amassing a team-leading 22 special teams tackles. He led the NFL with 13 solo tackles on special teams.

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