In the wake of a tumultuous offseason, Payton Turner, a former first-round draft pick, is set to embark on a new chapter with the Dallas Cowboys after struggling to find his footing with the New Orleans Saints. The Cowboys have been making moves to reshape their roster, seeking both to solidify their defensive line and to create opportunities for players like Turner, who hope to revitalize their careers.
Turner, who was selected 28th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft out of the University of Houston, faced significant challenges in New Orleans. Injuries plagued his tenure, resulting in him appearing in only 15 games over three seasons while recording a disappointing three sacks. The Saints ultimately declined his fifth-year option, a decision that highlighted his struggles. However, this offseason, Turner expressed optimism about his prospects in Dallas, particularly under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus's system, praised for its focus on penetrating play. His new teammates include All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons and defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, both of whom Turner anticipates will help elevate his game.
Turner's 2024 season marked a turning point; he played a career-high 16 games and matched his best output with two sacks. This improvement has encouraged him to adopt a rigorous training regimen focusing on mobility and injury prevention, which he credits for his enhanced performance. In a recent conference call, he emphasized the importance of this training, stating, "Finding a routine helped me to be available. That was the biggest thing I think I struggled with in New Orleans." Turner is now implementing changes such as hiring a personal allergist to assist with dietary adjustments and including mobility workouts that align with the tenets of Tom Brady's infamous “TB12 method.” These adaptations aim not only to enhance his durability but also his on-field effectiveness.
As the 2025 season nears, Turner is determined to solidify his place in the Cowboys' defense. He signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal and sees this opportunity as a crucial chance to prove himself, especially considering the evolving dynamics in the Cowboys' defensive line. In the wake of several roster changes, including the departure of notable defensive players like DeMarcus Lawrence and Jourdan Lewis, Turner is positioned to take on a more significant role. He reflects on the chance to play in a defense heavily focused on attacking the opponent rather than holding gaps, saying, "This defense with coach Eberflus is a lot about penetrating and getting vertical and then react."
The Cowboys have been active in the NFL offseason, acquiring ten new players – eight through free agency and two via trades. Their strategy included securing Turner, alongside other players like Solomon Thomas and Dante Fowler Jr., to bolster their defensive line depth. Osa Odighizuwa has emerged as a lucrative component of this restructuring, signing a new $80 million deal that ties him to Dallas for the next four years. After a standout 2024 season where he recorded career highs, Odighizuwa's performance is pivotal as the Cowboys prepare for a competitive year ahead.
Dallas has not only focused on retaining key players like Odighizuwa but also on reassessing their quarterback depth, recently losing Cooper Rush to the Ravens. With Dak Prescott still recovering from injury and backup Will Grier showcasing limited experience, the Cowboys are scouting for a veteran quarterback as the NFL Draft approaches. There’s speculation around potential trades or signings that could bolster this position before the new season kicks off.
Turner's journey, characterized by setbacks and promising progress, embodies the spirit the Cowboys are banking on this season. He views his transition as a new lease on his professional career, aiming to harness the momentum he's built this past season into a steady career in Dallas. With several former first-round picks on the roster, including Turner, the dynamic of the Cowboys is shifting, underscoring their ambitions to return to the playoff contention and perhaps challenge for the coveted Super Bowl title.
As the Cowboys round out their roster ahead of the 2025 season, the focus remains on strategic depth for a formidable squad. They’ll rely heavily on talents like Turner who, despite his challenging past, possesses the potential to deliver on the expectations originally laid out for him at the time of his draft. If all goes to plan, he might not only satisfy those early predictions but also solidify his role as a reliable contributor aligned with Dallas's aspirations for championship glory.
