The Cowboys are making moves in free agency, agreeing to terms with defensive end Payton Turner on a one-year deal, as reported by NBC Sports on March 11. The ink’s barely dry on this $3 million contract-$2 million of it guaranteed-and it’s already got fans talking. After a rollercoaster stint with the New Orleans Saints, Turner’s bringing his talents to Big D, and this could be a sneaky-good pickup for a team looking to bolster its defensive line.
Turner, a 26-year-old Houston alum, was a first-round pick (28th overall) by the Saints in the 2021 NFL Draft. His rookie contract-four years, $12.5 million-wrapped up last season, and New Orleans declined his fifth-year option, setting him loose as an unrestricted free agent. Injuries plagued his early years-foot, shoulder, calf, you name it-limiting him to just 31 games over four seasons. But 2024 was his healthiest yet, with 16 appearances, 21 tackles, two sacks, and a career-high four pass deflections.”He’s got the tools,” a Cowboys scout told NFL Media. “We’re betting on that upside.”
So, why Dallas? The Cowboys already have stars like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, but depth’s been a quiet concern-especially after losing Dorance Armstrong to the Commanders last year. Turner’s not here to start-he’s never done that in a regular-season game-but he’s a rotational piece with potential.
At 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, he’s got the frame to disrupt, and his 31% defensive snap share in 2024 with the Saints shows he can handle a workload. Plus, that 53% special teams usage? That’s gold for a squad that values versatility.
Free agency move explained
The deal’s a low-risk, high-reward move for Jerry Jones and crew. At $3 million, with $2 million locked in, it’s a prove-it contract-Turner gets a fresh start, and Dallas gets a former first-rounder at a bargain.
“We’ve done more in free agency already than all of 2024,” an NBC Sports analyst quipped, nodding to Dallas’ early activity, like snagging RB Javonte Williams too. Turner’s five career sacks and 11 QB hits might not scream superstar, but he could thrive as a situational rusher.
Cowboys fans are already dreaming of Turner chasing quarterbacks behind Parsons’ chaos. Will he finally shake the injury bug? Can he carve out a bigger role? This signing’s got all the makings of a sleeper hit-let’s see if “PT” can turn potential into production in that star-studded helmet.
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