New Orleans Saints Face Key Decision With Payton Turner

Among a lengthy list of decisions facing the Saints this offseason is one over a former first-round pick.

NFL players chosen in the 2021 Draft have now had three years to prove themselves. Teams now face the decision whether to pick up a fifth-year option on the contracts of all first-round picks selected that year. The window for picking up those fifth-year options opened on January 8. The deadline for teams to extend the option is on May 2.

For the New Orleans, that player is DE Payton Turner. Selected with the 28th overall pick, Turner had 9.5 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss in four seasons with the University of Houston. Blessed with wonderful length and athleticism on a 6'6" and 270-Lb. frame, Turner shot up draft boards despite his raw abilities.

Turner was the third of six defensive linemen or edge rushers taken in the first round. Jaelan Phillips (Dolphins, #18) and Kwity Paye (Colts, #21) were taken ahead of him, with Gregory Rousseau (Bills), Odafe Oweh (Ravens), and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (Buccaneers) selected at picks 30 through 32 to close out the first round. 

Turner has rarely been available to the Saints in his first three years because of injuries. He's played in only 15 of a possible 51 games, including only two contests in 2023 because of toe surgery. When Turner did play, he performed far below the expectations that come with being a first-round choice. He's flashed potential, recording three sacks, eight QB hits, 13 pressures, and eight tackles for loss. 

Still on his rookie contract, Turner will be a $3.42 million dollar cap hit for the Saints in 2024. The salary for a rookie fifth-year option matches the franchise tag for each specific position. If the Saints pick up Turner's fifth-year option, his salary will escalate to a $19.73 million dollar salary cap hit in 2025.

New Orleans Saints defensive end Payton Turner (98) rushes against Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70). Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY 

Given the fact that Turner hasn't shown the dependability to stay in the lineup, it would be an absolute shock if New Orleans made that kind of financial commitment. The Saints may instead look into contact extensions for two other more consistent players drafted after Turner in 2021.

Cornerback Paulson Adebo, a 2021 third-round pick, is in line for a lucrative extension after an outstanding season. Linebacker Pete Werner, drafted in the second round that season, could also get an extension at a thin position for New Orleans. Both Adebo and Werner, like Turner, will be in the final year of their contracts in 2024.

Payton Turner was having the best training camp and preseason of his short career before being injured in the season opener. Still, it's hard to imagine New Orleans taking such a big financial gamble on an often injured player. They learned that lesson, the hard way, with Marcus Davenport a few years ago. 

If Turner lives up to the disruptive potential he's flashed in his contract year, the Saints could still approach him with a long-term extension. It's a strategy they used with G Cesar Ruiz this past season after not picking up his option. This would also be the best on-field scenario for New Orleans, who have a desperate need at the edge rusher spot.