Saints' former first-round feeling the most pressure before 2024 season

The New Orleans Saints will have some tough decisions to make before the 2024 season. The roster cut down is difficult for every team, and the depth decisions will make or break many squads in different situations.

Who could New Orleans move on from that will surprise some fans? A young defender stands out as a possible cut candidate.

Former Saints first-round pick Payton Turner could get cut before 2024 season

Bleacher Report recently noted Turner as a potential cut candidate for the Saints.

He has the length and athleticism required to succeed on the edge at the professional level at 6’6″, 270 pounds while possessing plenty of explosiveness and power within that frame.

Although he hasn’t managed to translate those skills to the pro level yet, he has occasionally flashed when he hasn’t been sidelined by significant shoulder and foot injuries. He had a two-sack game against the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, a contest that showcased his ability to disrupt. -- Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay

Kay makes some good points. Turner has impressive physical attributes, but his lack of availability has hindered the Saints defense at moments over the past three years. He was a first-round selection, but he has only played in fifteen games during his pro career so far.

Accordingly, defensive line play has fallen off a bit in New Orleans. The pass rush, in particular, has struggled over the past couple seasons, and that was where Turner was expected to help the team the most.

Not to mention, the Saints drafted Isaiah Foskey early in the second round in 2023 and also signed Chase Young in free agency during this offseason.

They're clearly looking for upgrades for their depth chart, and that casts some shade over a player like Turner.

Tanoh Kpassagnon did suffer an Achilles injury earlier in the offseason, and he is expected to miss a significant amount of time. That opens up some snaps off the edge. Kpassagnon was one of the best pass rusher for New Orleans last year.

We will see if Turner survives the roster cut down for the Saints. His name is certainly on the chopping block, so he must impress during training camp and the preseason. If New Orleans moves on, expect another NFL team to grab Turner due to his physical traits.

Related: Recent Saints draft pick who may not make the cut for 2024 season