Saints C Max Unger announces his retirement

Saints center Max Unger announced his retirement today. After 10 seasons, 3 Pro-Bowls, 1 All-Pro and a Super Bowl victory Unger has decided its time to hang them upwhile still playing at a high level. Unger had just reached his first Pro Bowl in the black and gold in 2018.

New Orleans acquired Unger prior to the 2015 season in the trade that sent Jimmy Graham to the Seattle Seahawks. His retirement does help the Saints in one aspect, and that’s this year’s salary cap by saving. This move will save the Saints $6.5 million this year as he’ll go on the reserve/retired list. His original salary cap was $8.7 million for the upcoming 2019 season. If you’re Drew Brees, you’d probably rather have Unger than the salary cap space.

Now the question becomes who will assume the role of center. Cameron Tom has seen some time there and the versatile Will Clapp is experienced playing the position as well. While both are seen as up and coming players with potential New Orleans probably wasn’t anticipating them having to step into the starting role so soon.

There is still time in free agency to address the position as well as the draft. This year’s camp battle already has one of its top matchups to watch.