Payton Turner, a former Saints first-round pick, lands with the Lions after overcoming injuries. His talent flashes a promising new chapter.
There has been plenty of free agent shakeup so far this offseason. The shakeup has seen one former Saints player find a new place to play.
Former New Orleans Saints first round draft pick and defensive end Payton Turner has found a new NFL franchise. The pass rusher has signed with the Detroit Lions this offseason.
The move is a reminder of a talented player that simply did not work out with New Orleans due to unfortunate circumstances.
Julian Ojeda of ClutchPoints discussed the reported move for the former high draft pick.
"The Detroit Lions have signed former New Orleans Saints first-round defensive end Payton Turner to a contract, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team.
Turner, 27, last appeared in game action during the 2024 NFL season with the Saints, where he delivered the most productive campaign of his career. In 16 games, he recorded 21 total tackles, including 10 solo and 11 assisted stops, along with two sacks, two forced fumbles, four passes defended and one tackle for loss.
Originally selected by New Orleans in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Turner has dealt with injuries at various points in his career but has shown flashes as a rotational edge defender when available. His addition provides the Lions with another option along the defensive line as they continue to build depth ahead of the 2026 season."
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Brennan Presley (81) gets past Dallas Cowboys defensive end Payton Turner (98) on a 56 yard pass play during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesThe Saints have hit and miss on draft picks before, and certainly Turner is a reminder of some of the team's misses. That said, it has not come without the edge rusher's unique set of obstacles. Despite the injuries, Turner has been productive at times during his NFL career. Even so, that he has already found himself on another team highlights what could have been with the team's first round pick in 2021.
The Saints have since addressed their drafting woes with no draft more so than the most recent one. New Orleans added a franchise quarterback in Tyler Shough and franchise left tackle in Kelvin Banks in a matter of two picks in the last draft class. That alone makes the team seem more trustworthy. That said, New Orleans could have used a win at defensive line given they had to part with Cameron Jordan and the loss left a hole up front.
The Saints will look to find the player that they hoped Turner would become in the next few drafts.