Updated March 20, 2026, 4:42 p.m. ET
The Detroit Lions have signed edge defender Payton Turner, a first-round draft choose in 2021 who has hung out with the New Orleans Saints (2021-24) and Dallas Cowboys (2025).
Turner, 27, missed all of final season whereas dealing with an damage to his ribs.
Over his 4 years with the Saints, Turner recorded 50 tackles (11 for loss), 5 sacks and 39 pressures throughout 31 appearances. He’s dealt with important accidents all through his profession, as he was restricted to solely 15 appearances from 2021-23. He did, nonetheless, makes 16 appearances in 2024.
At 6-foot-6 and 270 kilos, Turner has the dimensions and enjoying fashion the Lions have usually valued having throughout from Aidan Hutchinson. He confirmed what he is able to throughout his last two collegiate seasons at Houston, gathering 9 sacks and 44 pressures in 17 video games. Turner solely performed in 5 contests as a senior, however he was uber environment friendly with a pass-rush win fee of 16.8%, in accordance with Pro Football Focus.
The Lions now have 4 true edge defenders on the roster, in Turner, Hutchinson, DJ Wonnum and Ahmed Hassanein. Also out there are Tyler Lacy and Levi Onwuzurike, a few linemen who’ve largely performed on the inside throughout their careers however have proven the flexibility to kick exterior. Wonnum was signed earlier this week on a one-year deal, giving the Lions a possible starter reverse Hutchinson on early downs.
Al-Quadin Muhammad, who had 11 sacks in 2025, left this offseason for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Other edge defenders who have been in Detroit final yr however have both signed elsewhere or stay unsigned embody Marcus Davenport (unsigned), Josh Paschal (launched) and Tyrus Wheat (Dallas Cowboys).
rsilva@detroitnews.com
@rich_silva18
