Zach Strief’s future with the Saints not decided yet, report says

A Wednesday afternoon report by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport stated that veteran New Orleans Saints tackle Zach Strief was expected to retire. However, we might want to hold the phone on the retirement party.

WWL’s Kristian Garic reported on Thursday afternoon that he recently talked to Strief, and that nothing has been decided yet.

“He’s contemplating retirement, but hasn’t decided if he will hang em up or play another season. He said he hopes to have a decision in the next week. Also, wants to discuss his future with Coach Sean Payton.”

Payton was asked about Strief at the NFL Combine today, to which he replied, “He’s been fantastic.” The report from The Advocate’s Nick Underhill further stated that Payton hasn’t yet talked to Strief, and that he wouldn’t want to comment on it until Strief does.

New Orleans could save $2.775 million against the salary cap if Strief calls it a career, and be on the hook for $1.1 million in dead money. At this point of his career, the Saints could benefit from Strief being a reserve/swing tackle in 2018, as rookie Ryan Ramczyk all but affirmed he is the future at right tackle.