When the New Orleans Saints selected Payton Turner with the 28th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, they hoped to find a ferocious edge defender who could pressure opposing quarterbacks for years. Three seasons later, the Saints are still searching for that. That’s because Turner has failed to deliver.
Unfortunately, the majority of his shortcomings have been due to health. Despite playing with New Orleans for three years, Turner has only appeared in 15 games. He appeared in five games as a rookie, eight in 2022, and only two last season. Unsurprisingly, he hasn’t contributed much when Turner has been on the field, totaling only 29 tackles, eight for a loss and three sacks.
As he prepares for his fourth season, the New Orleans Saints must decide whether to pick up his fifth-year option. That’s a really simple decision. The answer is “no.” However, New Orleans must make a decision about Turner’s future with the franchise in general. Will he make the roster for this season? may this be his final year with the team, or is there a chance he may stay beyond 2024?
What is Payton Turner’s future with the Saints?
Carl Granderson has emerged as a valuable edge defender for New Orleans, and the team also signed veteran Chase Young this offseason. Cam Jordan is still on the team. Jordan has already mentioned that the three of them form a three-headed monster. Turner has basically been out of sight, out of mind.
However, if he remains healthy throughout the season, the Saints will most certainly give him one more chance to prove himself. He’ll have to earn playing time, of course, but this will be a make-or-break season for the young defender, who is only 25. Turner’s performance this season will determine his future not only in New Orleans, but also in the league. He needs to stay healthy and deliver.
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