Payton Turner

Payton Turner (born January 7, 1999) is an American professional football defensive end for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Houston Cougars and was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft.

Early life Turner grew up in Houston, Texas and attended Westside High School, where he played basketball and football.

College career Turner was a member of the Houston Cougars for four seasons, starting his final three years. He was a member of the Cougars' pass rush rotation during his freshman year and finished the season with 14 tackles, one sack and one interception. His sophomore season ended prematurely due to a foot injury. As a senior, Turner was named second team All-American Athletic Conference after recording 25 tackles, 10.5 for a loss, with five sacks in five games played, missing two games due to injury and opting out of the New Mexico Bowl. After the season, Turner played in the 2021 Senior Bowl.

Statistics Year GP Tackles Interceptions Fumbles Solo Ast Total Loss Sack Int Yards Avg TD PD FR Yards TD FF 2017 8 10 4 14 2 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2018 11 21 21 42 3.5 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 2019 12 20 13 33 7.5 3.5 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 2020 5 17 8 25 10.5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

Professional career

New Orleans Saints Turner was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round (28th overall) of the 2021 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract with New Orleans on June 8, 2021. On November 11, 2021, Turner was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

On September 13, 2023, Turner was placed on injured reserve after suffering from a turf toe injury in the season opener against the Tennessee Titans. He was activated on January 5, 2024.

On May 2, 2024, the Saints declined to exercise the fifth-year option in Turner’s rookie contract, making him a free agent after the 2024 season.

Dallas Cowboys On March 11, 2025, Turner signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys. He was placed on injured reserve due to a rib injury on August 26.

Detroit Lions On March 20, 2026, Turner signed a one-year, $1.145 million contract with the Detroit Lions. On August 27, 2026, Turner was placed on season-ending injured reserve.

NFL career statistics