The Dallas Cowboys just made their favorite kind of bet with latest controversial free agency signing
The Dallas Cowboys aren't known to be big spenders in free agency but you know what they're known for? Making low-risk, high-reward gambles on players whose value is discounted by NFL teams for factors such as injuries, age, or even off-the-field drama. On Tuesday, they reminded us of it when reports emerged on them being expected […]
The Dallas Cowboys aren't known to be big spenders in free agency but you know what they're known for? Making low-risk, high-reward gambles on players whose value is discounted by NFL teams for factors such as injuries, age, or even off-the-field drama.
On Tuesday, they reminded us of it when reports emerged on them being expected to sign DE Payton Turner, a former first-round draft pick. Per Ian Rapoport, it's a one-year deal worth $3 million.
Turner is the second addition to the Cowboys' defensive line, following DT Solomon Thomas, a former No. 3 overall pick. Dallas lost DE Chauncey Golston to the New York Giants.
Turner is the classic low-risk, high-reward player the Cowboys love to target. His biggest issue has been availability but he was picked in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft because of his crazy athleticism. Additionally, at only 26 years old, he's someone who can still be developed.
Speaking of, having Aaron Whitecotton as DL coach is a key aspect of the hire. Whitecotton is well-respected in the league thanks to his work developing linemen and he was someone the Jets fought hard to keep for a reason.
Why did it not work out for Payton Turner in New Orleans?
I reached out to A to Z Sports' Saints beat writer for this thoughts on Turner and added context about what went wrong and he chimed in:
"Payton Turner – what could have been in black and gold! The former first-round selection joins the likes of Marcus Davenport and Isaiah Foskey as early round swings on potential by New Orleans. Simply put, the athleticism and flashes by those guys as college prospects have not shown up in the pros consistently at all.
"That being said, Turner’s biggest issue, dating back to his days as a Houston Cougar, has been staying on the field. Availability concerns are the biggest reason that this sort of short-term, low salary deal was his market this offseason. Getting a fresh start is great for Turner, and maybe he can turn it around in Dallas – for a team that will probably give him some opportunities for defensive snaps in 2025. If I were a betting man, it would be tough to take that gamble on him, though."
The Cowboys are still missing some experience at DE but depth was needed and ultimately, that's what Turner is. If developed, his athleticism could result in a major home run.
He'll join a defensive end group led by Micah Parsons and will be part of a wide open competition for the job opposite of him along with Sam Williams and Marshawn Kneeland.
