With Al-Quadin Muhammad and Tyrus Wheat walking in free agency and Marcus Davenport still unsigned, the Detroit Lions found themselves thin on the edge. But now, a defensive blessing has arrived in the form of a former New Orleans first-round pick.

In the 2026 offseason, many NFL analysts have advised the Lions to sign someone to team up with Aidan Hutchinson at EDGE. Now, the franchise has shown faith in one former Dallas Cowboys star who missed out on the 2025 season with a pre-season rib-injury.

The Detroit Lions have signed EDGE Payton Turner, a former 1st-round (overall No. 28) New Orleans Saints pick. Details of his new contract with the NFC franchise are yet to be disclosed.

Throughout his whole NFL career, Turner has amassed 30 solo tackles, 20 assists, 5.0 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery. Though these numbers don't seem like a lot, the DE has only once played over eight games in a season in 2024. That being said, injuries have followed him, too.

Turner ended his rookie season on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury. His entire 2023 season almost went to waste due to a turf toe injury. Then, in 2024, he had his most productive season with 10 solo tackles, 11 assists, and 2.0 sacks in 16 games.

Last year, Turner signed a 1 year, $2,500,000 contract with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025. It included a $600,000 signing bonus, $2,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $2,500,000. But he could not play a single game because of a rib injury he sustained before the season began.

As the 27-year-old aims to return in style for 2026, his starting spot in the NFC North may not be guaranteed, with the competition appearing fierce.

Turner Will Have to Compete for a Starting Position in the Detroit Lions

Payton Turner is not the only EDGE the Lions have put their money on in the 2026 NFL Free Agency. DJ Wonnum has also signed with the NFC Franchise. The former Carolina Panthers star has 142 solo tackles, 108 assists, 30.0 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception.

The $6 million player himself isn't short on confidence either, having also stated he would get along with Aidan Hutchinson.

"I’m very physical on the edge, not many people are running that way. I’m also able to drop in coverage and make plays; I make plays all over the field. I feel like we’ll be able to complement each other," Wonnum said recently.

What also goes against Payton Turner is that he has not played a single game as a starter in his career. Meanwhile, Wonnum has started 54 out of his 86 career games, bringing fierce competition to the table.

Who would you pick to be the new Lions' EDGE alongside Hutchinson? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote