The Dallas Cowboys have once again leaned into their favorite type of roster move: a low-risk, high-reward gamble on a former first-round pick whose NFL career hasn’t gone as planned. This time, it’s defensive end Payton Turner, a once-promising prospect taken 28th overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2021 NFL Draft. While Turner has struggled to stay on the field due to injuries and inconsistency, the Cowboys are betting that he can finally tap into his potential in Dallas.
Turner, only 26, still possesses the physical tools that made him a first-round selection—size, length, and athleticism that coaches dream of at the edge rusher position. But in New Orleans, he never managed to put it all together. Across three seasons, he appeared in just 15 games, recording a modest 3.0 sacks and 21 total tackles. While those numbers don’t jump off the page, the Cowboys see a player who may thrive in a change of scenery and under a new defensive system.
The deal is also classic Cowboys: a one-year, $3 million “prove-it” contract. This structure reflects how Dallas has approached several free agency moves in recent years. Rather than splurging on high-profile, big-money signings, the team often opts for reclamation projects—players with pedigree, but some combination of red flags, injuries, or disappointing production. It’s a strategy that has sometimes paid off and other times fizzled, but it reflects the front office’s desire to buy low and potentially sell high.
This signing mirrors recent moves, like taking a chance on wide receiver Martavis Bryant in 2024. Bryant, once a dynamic deep threat with the Steelers, had not played an NFL snap since 2018 due to a suspension. Still, Dallas believed his skill set was worth a flyer. Similarly, they added Javonte Williams at running back this offseason despite his uneven performances in Denver. The Cowboys gave Williams a one-year, $3.5 million deal—more than they offered to their previous leading rusher Rico Dowdle, who moved on to the Panthers for $2.5 million. In each case, Dallas has shown a willingness to invest in upside, even when the recent resume is underwhelming.
Critics argue that these kinds of signings are a patchwork approach, lacking long-term vision. But supporters would say it’s smart cap management and a way to create competition on the roster without tying up resources. If Turner stays healthy and thrives, the Cowboys will have gotten a starting-caliber defensive end for a fraction of the market rate. If not, they move on without much damage.
In the end, Turner’s signing is less about past production and more about potential. It’s a calculated risk, but one that fits perfectly into the Cowboys’ offseason identity. Whether it pays off or not, it’s clear the team is sticking to its philosophy: bet on talent, buy low, and hope the upside finally hits.
Do you think Turner has a shot to break out in Dallas?
