Cowboys Add Another Low-Key Name to Their Defense via Free Agency: Cowboys Agree to Terms with DE Payton Turner for 2025 Season. The Dallas Cowboys continue to make strategic moves in free agency, adding another under-the-radar talent to bolster their defensive line. The team has agreed to terms with defensive end Payton Turner for the 2025 season, aiming to add depth and potential to their pass-rush unit.
A Fresh Start for Payton Turner
Turner, a former first-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2021, has battled injuries and inconsistency throughout his young career. However, when healthy, he has shown flashes of the talent that made him a highly sought-after prospect coming out of the University of Houston. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 270 pounds, Turner possesses the size, athleticism, and versatility to be a valuable rotational piece for the Cowboys’ defensive front.
What Turner Brings to the Cowboys’ Defense
Dallas already boasts one of the league’s most formidable pass rushes, led by superstar Micah Parsons and veteran DeMarcus Lawrence. Adding Turner gives defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer another tool in his arsenal. Here’s what Turner could contribute:
- Pass-Rush Depth – Turner adds another layer of depth behind Lawrence and emerging young talent like Sam Williams. If he can stay healthy, he provides a fresh set of legs in crucial passing situations.
- Run-Stopping Ability – While his primary role will likely be as a situational pass rusher, Turner has the size and strength to contribute against the run, something the Cowboys have been looking to improve.
- Low-Risk, High-Reward Signing – Given Turner’s injury history and limited production in New Orleans, Dallas likely signed him to a team-friendly deal, making this a low-risk move with potential upside.
Why This Move Makes Sense for Dallas
The Cowboys are always looking for cost-effective ways to improve their roster, and Turner fits the mold of a reclamation project that could thrive in the right system. Under Zimmer’s guidance, Turner could develop into a reliable rotational player who complements the team’s aggressive defensive style.
Additionally, with the Cowboys eyeing a deep playoff run, having depth on the defensive line is crucial. Injuries and fatigue can take a toll over a long season, and having a player like Turner who can step in and contribute could make a difference down the stretch.
What’s Next for the Cowboys?
While Turner’s signing isn’t a blockbuster move, it signals that Dallas is still fine-tuning its roster in preparation for the 2025 season. The team may continue exploring veteran additions or look to the draft for more reinforcements, especially along the defensive line.
For now, Cowboys fans will be eager to see if Turner can stay on the field and live up to the potential that once made him a first-round pick. If he does, this under-the-radar signing could turn into one of the smartest moves of the Cowboys’ offseason.
