Cowboys Sign Former First-Round Pick and Texas Native

DALLAS, TX — The Dallas Cowboys have continued their signing frenzy by adding another former first-round pick to the defensive line.

Since the start of free agency, the Cowboys had brought in running back Javonte Williams, defensive tackle Solomon Thomas, and offensive lineman Rob Jones.

On Tuesday, they signed former New Orleans Saints' first-round pick Payton Turner.

Turner attended Westside High School in Houston then chose to stick close to home by playing at the University of Houston.

In the NFL, he was drafted 28th overall in the 2021 Draft. The injury bug has bitten him a few times throughout his pro career where he’s had foot, shoulder, calf, knee, chest, and toe injuries. He’s only played in 31 NFL games due to his injuries.

Turner has been disappointing for a first-round pick and has only collected five sacks in those 31 games over four seasons.

For the Cowboys, Turner will be another rotational piece on the defensive front. With the additions of Turner and Thomas, the Cowboys have filled holes up front on their defense, but it won’t discourage them from drafting a defensive tackle or end early.

Micah Parsons will still be the focal point with Sam Williams coming off an injury. Demarcus Lawrence is still unsigned, but the Cowboys could bring him back on a veteran contract. Their 2024 second-round pick, Marshawn Kneeland, will get into the rotation as well.

On the inside, the Cowboys signed Osa Odighizuwa, and Mazi Smith will plug up the middle with help from Thomas. Honestly, the Cowboys could add another tackle to the roster.

Two positions the Cowboys have not addressed are wide receiver and cornerback. Yes, the Cowboys did resign KaVontae Turpin but have not added a wide receiver to complement CeeDee Lamb.

They could opt to wait until the draft and hope a player like Arizona’s Tet McMillan will be available. At the NFL Combine, the Cowboys interviewed McMillan, Texas receivers Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond, Maryland’s Kaden Prather, and they had an informal interview with Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka. They’ve been linked to Rams' wideout Cooper Kupp, who could be released after free agency.

Cornerback is a position that is certainly a need. With Trevon Diggs injured and Jourdan Lewis in Jacksonville, the starting corners are DaRon Bland and Caelen Carson. Dallas did interview Texas’ Jahdae Barron, the 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner, and Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison, who was injured last season. If you follow the Cowboys, Morrison could be the Cowboys’ second-round pick. They also interviewed a handful of other defensive backs at the combine.