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NFLSU: Former LSU football standout inks one-year deal with New Orleans Saints

By Charlie Hubbard

Nov 23, 2012; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Louisiana State Tigers offensive tackle Vadal Alexander (78) and offensive lineman Trai Turner (56) stand on the field during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Stadium. LSU defeated Arkansas 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2012; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Louisiana State Tigers offensive tackle Vadal Alexander (78) and offensive lineman Trai Turner (56) stand on the field during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Stadium. LSU defeated Arkansas 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former LSU football standout, Trai Turner, is headed back to Louisiana after inking a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday.

After nine years away from home, Trai Turner is heading home to suit up for the black and gold.

The former LSU football guard signed a free agent deal with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday. Turner last played with the Washington Commanders. But, of course, he played for the LSU Tigers from 2011-2013.

https://twitter.com/Saints/status/1683856638690598912

With the signing of Trai Turner, the Saints have now signed four former LSU football alums since Dennis Allen took over in 2022. Last year, New Orleans signed fan favorites Jarvis Landry and Tyrann Mathieu. They brought Foster Moreau back to Louisiana this offseason.

Trai Turner was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and played his high school ball at St. Augustine High School. He was Louisiana’s 14th-best offensive guard and the 14th-best player in the 2011 recruiting class.

Turner was a two-year starter at offensive guard for LSU football after redshirting his freshman year.

Turner started 2012 with LSU football as the backup to Josh Wilford. He was forced into action when Wilford suffered an unfortunate injury in week six. Nevertheless, Turner assumed the starting role and never looked back.

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Turner played 559 snaps for the 2012 Tigers and finished second on the team in knockdowns.

Turner was even better in 2013, starting all 13 games at right guard and earning second-team All-SEC honors. He and the rest of the offensive line helped lead running back Jeremy Hill to a 1,400-yard season. Moreover, LSU football posted 37 rushing touchdowns that year.

After his stellar third year at LSU, Turner declared for the NFL Draft and was selected in the third round by the Carolina Panthers in 2014. He would play six seasons in Carolina and rack up five Pro Bowls before signing with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020.

Turner also made pit stops in Pittsburgh (2021) and Washington (2022). Turner played 766 snaps and allowed just two sacks with the Commanders.

Next. All-SEC team ends 34-year LSU football drought. dark

We think Trai Turner still has some gas left in the tank and is an excellent fit for the Saints, given their need for offensive linemen.

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