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Jerry Jones, Cowboys Dealt Defensive End News on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Mar 20, 2026 5:52 PM ET

Jerry Jones watched on as his Dallas Cowboys had another disappointing NFL season in 2025, losing four of their last five games and finishing with a 7-9-1 record. With the poor finish to the season, the Cowboys finished second in the NFC East, missing out on the playoffs for a second consecutive year.

Now, Jones has turned to the offseason in hopes of bringing Dallas back to the postseason. Along with franchise tagging star wide receiver George Pickens, the Cowboys have made a few defensive moves. This includes acquiring defensive end Rashan Gary in a trade with the Green Bay Packers, along with signing former Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson. But with the roster additions come some losses, and that was no different on Friday.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Payton Turner spent his college career with the Houston Cougars before getting selected by the New Orleans Saints with the No. 28 pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The defensive end spent his first four NFL seasons in New Orleans, but dealt with numerous injuries in his first three. During the 2024 season, Turner was finally healthy, playing in 16 games and tallying 21 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles.

Ahead of the 2025 NFL season, Turner declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, making him a free agent. The Cowboys then signed him to a one-year deal, but he did not appear in a game for Dallas after being placed on injured reserve during the preseason with a rib injury. Following the season, Turner became a free agent once again.

And on Friday, Turner decided it was time for another change, signing a deal with the Detroit Lions and leaving Jones and the Cowboys without some potential defensive line depth.

"The Lions have signed DE Payton Turner, the team announced," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler wrote on X. "Former first-round pick missed last year with a rib injury."

The Lions have signed DE Payton Turner, the team announced. Former first-round pick missed last year with a rib injury.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 20, 2026