A fully healthy Saints defensive end Payton Turner: ‘I feel like I’m in a good spot, I’m ready to get after it’

HOUSTON – Payton Turner has endured hard luck during his first three seasons in the NFL since being drafted in the first round by the New Orleans Saints.

As a rookie, Turner had his first season abbreviated by a shoulder injury that forced him onto injured reserve. That limited him to five games, 12 tackles, three for losses, three quarterback hits and one sack.

In his second season, Turner played in a career-high eight games and had two sacks and 16 tackles.

And last season, Turner got injured in the first game as he suffered a turf toe injury. He was placed on injured reserve and wasn’t activated until January as he played in two games with one fumble recovery and zero sacks.

Now, the 6-foot-5, 270-pound former University of Houston standout heads into training camp fully healthy after undergoing offseason back surgery. The Saints declined to exercise Turner’s fifth-year club option rather than pay him $13.39 million in 2025. He’s set to hit free agency after this season, but worked with the first-team defense during spring practices with Chase Young and Cameron Jordan sidelined.

“I felt really good going into last year,” said Turner, who had 29 career tackles and three sacks. “Unfortunately, the first game I had that toe injury. I did have an offseason back procedure. I’m feeling good. I’m feeling healthy right now and I’m ready to get after it this year.

“The only thing you can do in this league is control what you can control. So, I’ve had some bad luck with some injuries. I’ve taken this year and last year and fine-tuned my process, my routine. I feel like I’m in a good spot heading into this year. I’m excited to see what I can do.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.