Former Maryland wide receiver DJ Turner to sign with Las Vegas Raiders

After not hearing his name called in the 2021 NFL Draft, former Maryland wide receiver DJ Turner has signed as an undrafted free agent with the Las Vegas Raiders.

The DeMatha Catholic product played in 31 games as a Terp before joining Pitt as a graduate transfer.

“I feel like [the transfer] played out well,” Turner said during his pro day. “[There were] definitely some games I’d surprised myself and some games I felt like there was a lot of plays left on the field, but overall I think this season definitely helped me out a lot. When it comes to moving forward to the next level, I got to show some versatility and have some big games to kind of show that I’m productive.”

With the Panthers, Turner led the team in punt and kickoff returns averaging 8.3 yards per return and 22.2 yards, respectively. The 8.3 yards per punt return ranked second in the ACC while the 22.2 yards ranked third.

Turner also finished second on the team with 44 receptions, 634 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.

As a Terp between 2016-19, Turner totaled 24 catches for 294 yards and had one touchdown against Minnesota in 2018 which was his career-long 54-yard reception.

Turner’s stats from his pro day included a 4.55 40-yard dash and had 35.5-inch vertical jump.

The Maryland native will have a chance to earn a spot on Las Vegas’ roster that consists of the likes of wide receivers Henry Ruggs II, Willie Snead IV and Hunter Renfrow. With experience as both a punt and kickoff returner, Turner will be competing with Renfrow for that spot who had 23 returns for 265 yards during the 2020 season.

The Raiders did not draft any wide receivers in this class which opens the door for Turner to incorporate himself into the mix.