The Dallas Cowboys added defensive depth with the one-year, $3 million deal with Defensive End Payton Turner The deal includes $2 million guaranteed. The former first-round pick is joining the Cowboys after four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, in which he was negatively affected by injuries. Turner hopes to define his role in a Cowboys defense that already has stellar pass rushers in Micah Parsons, Sam Williams, and Marshawn Kneeland.
Turner’s Background and Recent Work
Turner was a surprise first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft taken 28th overall by the Saints after sporting a projected Day 2 grade coming into the draft. Injuries were a common occurrence early on, limiting him to just 15 games over his first three seasons. Turner was healthy for the first time in 2024 appearing in 16 games and seeing action on 31% of the defensive snaps. He also contributed heavily to special teams.
Despite his greater availability, Turner’s production was moderate. He finished the 2024 season with 21 tackles, two sacks, and three quarterback hits. The Saints ultimately allowed his fifth-year option to lapse, which prompted Turner to pursue free agency. While his numbers may be less than stellar, the Cowboys clearly think there is potential in his skill set.
Career Arc and Future Potential With Cowboys
Turner entered the league highly touted but has not yet provided consistent performance. He played only five games as a rookie due to having a shoulder injury and spent most of 2023 recovering from surgery for a turf toe. His limited playing time and non-producing work led Turner to be a healthy scratch for several games in his Saints career.
Turner’s size and physical attributes also hold the promise of redemption. At 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, he is the ideal build for an NFL edge pass rusher. In Dallas, Turner should bask in a cleaner rotational role behind established stars like Parsons and Osa Odighizuwa, potentially allowing him to thrive in favorable matchups. The Cowboys’ rich history of defensive line development can also help turn Turner’s fortunes around.
Final Thoughts
Turner’s signing is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Cowboys. While his injury history and inconsistent production make him anything but a guaranteed contributor, Turner’s physical skills have potential. If Turner can maximize limited opportunities in Dallas’ stout defensive line, he may finally live up to the potential that saw him drafted in the first round. A solid 2025 could earn Turner a long-term contract and a more stable position in the league.
