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The New Orleans Saints signed right tackle Ryan Ramczyk to a five-year, $96 million contract extension on Wednesday, per ESPN.com’s Mike Triplett and Adam Schefter.
This massive payday makes Ramczyk the highest-paid player at his position in the NFL, and deservedly so.
Since being drafted 32nd overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, Ramczyk has been an absolute rock on the right side of the Saints’ offensive line. He was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2019, and made the second team in the two years around that season.
Ramczyk has missed only one start since beginning his NFL career, and was part of a phenomenal Saints draft class that netted New Orleans star cornerback Marshon Lattimore, safety Marcus Williams, and stud tailback Alvin Kamara.
It’s been a tough offseason for the Saints, as they fought through salary cap issues, free-agent losses and the retirement of legendary quarterback Drew Brees. Ramczyk’s extension is a breath of fresh air for New Orleans, and was an obvious priority due to his sustained, elite play.
New Orleans Saints have more big decisions after Ryan Ramczyk’s historic extension
With Ramczyk locked up for the foreseeable future and a stellar offensive line in place, the bigger question is: Who will Ramczyk be blocking for in Brees’ stead?
Jameis Winston figures to be the favorite to succeed Brees in 2021, unless all-purpose playmaker Taysom Hill proves he’s most valuable at QB as opposed to lining up anywhere in the offense and making plays.
Whether it’s Winston or Hill under center, you can bet Saints head coach Sean Payton is feeling a little more at ease with Ramczyk’s future in New Orleans secured.
Williams is playing under the franchise tag this coming season, and Lattimore was also a first-round pick in 2017, so they’re likely in line for contract extensions next, since Kamara has already gotten paid. That may lead to some tough decisions for the Saints, depending on how their QB depth chart looks a year from now.