The New Orleans Saints declined the fifth-year option for defensive end Payton Turner, setting him up to become a free agent next March, Matthew Paras of NOLA reports.

The Saints could have kept Turner under contract if they had picked up the option, which would have been worth almost $14 million. But New Orleans was always likely to decline it given Turner’s lengthy injury history and lack of production. Since he was drafted 28th overall, Turner has appeared in only 15 career games and has only two career sacks.

Turner will now be a free agent next offseason unless he and the Saints agree on a new deal before then. 

Turner was hurt for most of last season after injuring his toe in a Week 1 win over the Tennessee Titans. The 25-year-old was diagnosed with turf toe and required surgery. He eventually made his return in New Orleans’ season finale win over the Atlanta Falcons. He played 18 snaps, registering two quarterback hits and recovering a fumble.

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