It's no secret that the San Francisco 49ers aren't in the greatest shape in regards to the wide receiver position as the regular season inches closer by the second.
Deebo Samuel, of course, is now a member of the Washington Commanders. Brandon Aiyuk is likely to start the season on injured reserve, which will keep him out of at least the first four games. Jauan Jennings has been dealing with a calf injury and is still seemingly unhappy with the state of his current contract.
Demarcus Robinson is expected to receive a three-game suspension stemming from a DUI charge. And to make matters worse, rookie Jordan Watkins, who had a solid outing in the Niners' preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, is expected to miss about a month with a high ankle sprain.
So, outside of Ricky Pearsall, things look a little bleak right now. As such, according to Pro Football Newsroom analyst and UFL specialist James Larsen, the 49ers have brought back a familiar face to add a little depth to the wide receiver room, reportedly adding Malik Turner to the mix.
Malik Turner returns for another stint with the 49ers after a strong 2025 UFL season
BREAKING: The San Francisco #49ers are signing @USFLPanthers WR Malik Turner, per league source.
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) August 13, 2025
Turner was a weapon in the #UFL with Michigan in 2025 (365 yards/4 TD) - exploding for 269 yards & 4 TD's in the postseason.
NFL vet brings depth to SF's receiver room. #UFLtoNFL pic.twitter.com/K3Vdv8PbEN
Undrafted out of Illinois in 2018, Turner has spent time with seven different NFL teams, including a trio of stints in San Francisco.
He first signed with the 49ers ahead of the 2022 campaign and recorded six receptions for 66 yards in three preseason games before being relegated to the practice squad. Turner suited up for three regular-season contests that year but took just one offensive snap. He was released in early November and spent the remainder of the season on the practice squads of the Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans.
Turner returned to the Bay in late July 2024 but was placed on injured reserve two weeks later with an unspecified injury. He was then released two days later with an injury settlement. The 6-foot-2, 202-pounder returned yet again in October as a member of the practice squad but was released two weeks later.
Turner has just 29 career NFL receptions to his name, but is coming off a strong UFL season for the Michigan Panthers. After catching 40 passes for 365 yards and four touchdowns in 10 regular-season outings, the 29-year-old went off in the playoffs, posting 16 catches for 267 yards and four touchdowns in two games. Much of that came in the title game, as he went for a record 168 yards and three scores on 10 grabs.