The New Orleans Saints have fortified the offensive line by signing right tackle Ryan Ramczyk to a colossal contract extension.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Saints have signed Ramczyk to a five-year deal worth $96 million. The deal runs through the 2026 season and makes him the highest-paid right tackle in the NFL.

Ramczyk was the 32nd overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft, a class that has done quite well for the Saints. Field Yates of ESPN noted fellow 2017 draftees Alvin Kamara and Trey Hendrickson have also reached rather large deals, with defensive backs Marshon Lattimore and Marcus Williams on the cusp of big extensions.

Ramczyk has been especially important to the Saints because of his durability and excellence on the right side.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
JC Latham (Alabama), Chris Braswell (Alabama not Jaguars), Cornelieus Johnson (Michigan) in action behind a New Orleans Saints logo with a 2024 NFL Draft background.

Dylan Bruton ·

The former Wisconsin product has appeared in 63 of 64 possible games through his first four seasons with the Saints. He has recorded a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 80 or higher in all four seasons, including a 90.8 overall grade during his All-Pro campaign in 2019. Pro Football Focus also ranked Ramczyk as the second-best offensive tackle in the sport heading into the 2020 season.

This move ensures some stability in the trenches, which is of vital importance to a Saints team sure to undergo some unknowns following the retirement of longtime quarterback Drew Brees.

Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston are vying for the starting quarterback spot. Regardless of who wins the job, though, the eventual starter will need the likes of Ramczyk and the other hogs to lend their protection up front as the Saints begin this transitory period under center.