Saints make the easiest roster decision of the offseason official

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated 5/3/24

The New Orleans Saints have made another key roster decision. Following the draft, they are scouring free agency, but they also had to make a choice regarding one of their own players.

According to Nick Underhill, the Saints will not exercise the fifth-year option on Payton Turner's contract.

The Saints did not exercise the fifth-year option on Payton Turner’s contract
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) May 3, 2024

What does this mean for Turner? He is now officially playing in a contract year. He’ll be a free agent in 2025 unless he earns an extension during this season.

It would have cost the Saints over $13 million in 2025 to pick up Turner’s option. It was a no-brainer due to his lack of availability over the first few years of his career.

Turner suffered a serious turf toe injury early in the season opener in 2023 after staying healthy throughout camp. The team was excited about him, but that injury kept him off the field for most of the regular season.

Turner has played just 15 games through three years of his pro career. He will be fighting for a roster spot during this year's training camp and preseason stages. New Orleans has added some intriguing depth on the DL, and Turner could end up being an odd man out of the rotation.

Only time will tell. Regardless, this decision by the Saints was an easy one.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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