Lions Sign Former Saints First-Rounder Payton Turner

Detroit adds another defensive lineman with injury history to roster

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:05am

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The Detroit Lions have signed former New Orleans Saints first-round pick Payton Turner, who has struggled with injuries throughout his NFL career so far. Turner was a standout at the University of Houston, but has only played in 15 games over his first three seasons in the league due to various injuries. The Lions are hoping Turner can stay healthy and contribute to their defensive line rotation.

Why it matters

The Lions have made improving their defensive line a priority this offseason, and the addition of Turner provides them with another high-upside option, albeit one with significant injury concerns. If Turner can stay on the field, he has the potential to be a disruptive pass rusher, but his lack of proven production and durability issues make this a risky signing for Detroit.

The details

Turner was selected in the first round by the Saints in 2021 after a standout college career at Houston, where he recorded 9 sacks and nearly 20 tackles for loss over his final two seasons. However, injuries have plagued him in the NFL, as he has only appeared in 15 games over his first three seasons, recording 8 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. In 2024, he finally stayed healthy for most of the season, breaking up 4 passes, forcing 2 fumbles, and recording 2 sacks. But the Saints declined his fifth-year option, and he spent 2025 on injured reserve with the Cowboys after suffering a rib injury in the preseason.

  • Turner was drafted by the Saints in the first round in 2021.
  • He has only appeared in 15 games over his first three NFL seasons due to injuries.
  • In 2024, Turner had his most productive season, playing in 15 games for the Saints.
  • The Saints declined Turner's fifth-year option in 2025, and he spent the season on IR with the Cowboys.

The players

Payton Turner

A former first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2021 who has struggled with injuries throughout his NFL career so far.

Brad Holmes

The general manager of the Detroit Lions, who has made improving the team's defensive line a priority this offseason.

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions, who will be tasked with getting the most out of Payton Turner if he can stay healthy.

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What’s next

The Lions will be closely monitoring Payton Turner's progress and health during training camp and the preseason, as they look to see if he can stay on the field and contribute to their defensive line rotation.

The takeaway

The signing of Payton Turner is a low-risk, high-upside move for the Detroit Lions, as they continue to try and rebuild their defensive line. However, Turner's extensive injury history makes this a risky proposition, and the Lions will need to see significant improvement in his durability and production if he is to carve out a meaningful role on their defense.