The San Francisco 49ers made a somewhat surprising roster move on Wednesday, cutting a player whom they signed in free agency and was expected to have a role to play in 2024.
San Francisco said farewell to linebacker Ezekiel Turner, releasing him to make room for defensive lineman Nick Williams , signed after Kalia Davis went down with a knee injury.
Turner was signed with a view to improving the 49ers' play on special teams, having excelled consistently in that facet of the game during his six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.
But he will not get the chance to do that, with the Niners' decision likely partially motivated by the strong play of San Francisco's less experienced linebackers.
Dee Winters, star of the 49ers' offseason workout program, caught the eye with his sideline-to-sideline speed in the preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans, solidifying his status as a potential starter at SAM linebacker on base downs this season in the absence of Dre Greenlaw.
But the true standout was rookie seventh-round rookie Tatum Bethune, who produced an excellent performance in which he registered three defensive stops, per Pro Football Focus.
Bethune demonstrated closing speed, an ability to pick his way through traffic and slip blocks as well as some encouraging instincts in coverage.
San Francisco likely had high hopes for Turner and his potential impact on special teams when they signed him. However, the deal he signed featured no guaranteed money, keeping open the possibility they could move if he was outshone by other players.
That is exactly what happened against the Titans, with the displays by Bethune and Winters, along with the fact Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles is guaranteed over $1.7 million this season, making Turner the odd man out and allowing the 49ers to save over $1.1 million against the cap with his release.
Bethune is still no lock to make the 53, but in showcasing his strengths in defeating blocks and navigating traffic, he demonstrated prowess in areas that will be key to him potentially making plays on special teams should he indeed crack the initial roster.
And, in his playmaking ability and coverage awareness, he displayed attributes that could lead him to challenge for a long-term role on the defense from next year, with Greenlaw set to hit the open market in 2025.
Bethune is replicating several 49ers rookies in making quick progress, with the likes of Renardo Green, Dominick Puni and Malik Mustapha all drawing praise recently, and his impressive debut seemingly turned an eyebrow-raising decision with Turner into an easy one to make.
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