The New Orleans Saints had a busy day bringing familiar faces back home, the latest in the form of New Orleans native and LSU alum Trai Turner as offensive line depth.
The team announced the signing Tuesday morning, shortly after the news of a Jimmy Graham reunion at tight end. The Saints have also reportedly agreed to terms with former Cardinals OL Max Garcia, though that has not yet been officially announced.
Turner adds important depth at a position that was beset by injuries last year, though head coach Dennis Allen made it clear none of the day's signings was prompted by injuries. LT Trevor Penning and guard Cesar Ruiz are both recovering from Lisfranc injuries that ended their 2022 seasons early.
The 6-3, 320-pound Turner headed into his 10th NFL season after being selected in the third round out of LSU by the Carolina Panthers in the 2014 NFL Draft. Turner prepped at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans.
The veteran has appeared in 126 career regular season games with 118 starts for the Panthers (2014-19), Los Angeles Chargers (2020), Pittsburgh Steelers (2021) and Washington Commanders (2022) and was selected to five straight Pro Bowls from 2015-19. 114 of his 118 starts have been at right guard.
Turner played in 25 games with 20 starts in two years at LSU and was an Associated Press second-team All-SEC selection his final season.
