Everyone knew it was coming, but the New Orleans Saints have officially rejected to pick up defensive end Payton Turner’s fifth-year option. Turner’s rookie contract with the Saints will expire at the end of the 2024 season. Simply put, Turner’s season will be make-or-break.
Payton Turner’s first three years in the league were a nightmare, which made this a foregone outcome. Turner has participated in only 15 games over the course of three seasons. A variety of injuries limited him to only five games as a rookie, eight in year two, and two last season. It’s especially awful because the injuries are beyond his control.
Turner totaled 29 tackles, eight for a loss, and three sacks in 15 games. Turner will need to stay healthy and perform well as he enters this critical season of his career.
Payton Turner enters the make-or-break season
Turner was taken as the 28th overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-6, 270 pounds, there were great expectations that he might be a constant force off the edge for New Orleans. That did not happen. Instead, while sidelined, he was passed over by players such as Carl Granderson. The Saints even signed Chase Young during the summer.
Of course, Turner will still get his chance this season. He will most likely have to struggle in camp to make the roster. If he can accomplish that and stay on the field, he’ll have an opportunity to demonstrate the abilities that earned him a first-round pick. If he cannot, his time in New Orleans will undoubtedly come to an end, as may his career in the league as a whole.
That’s why this season is critical for Payton Turner. He must demonstrate his ability to stay fit and contribute to teams.
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