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

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.

As a rookie, Turner appeared in five games before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the remainder of the year. He then battled a series of other ailments in 2022 that limited him to eight games.

Turner, too, will have to earn his playing time next season in what’s set up to be a crowded defensive end rotation. The Saints signed edge rusher Chase Young in free agency and still have Carl Granderson, Cam Jordan and Isaiah Foskey on the roster.