Ryan Ramczyk’s extensions frees up another $5.5M for the New Orleans Saints in 2021

This piece has been updated. New contract details below.

The New Orleans Saints have inked a huge extension for star tackle Ryan Ramczyk. The two sides have agreed to a five-year extension that makes him the highest-paid right tackle in the NFL.

Early reports indicate a $96 million dollar deal that will average $19.2 million, a number that will most likely be stretched down the road. The Saints have now locked up their prized right tackle for the next six years, and this move adds flexibility for the team to add other pieces to build the roster in 2021 and beyond. Ramczyk was due north of $11 million dollars this season, and this move will help the Saints stretch his money through the six more years of his deal, or at minimum, roll over cap space into 2022. Bottom line: the All-Pro will be a Saints for at least the next six years.

Ramczyk was part of the historical 2017 draft class and is now the third (and not last) player to get a big payday, with Marshon Lattimore and Marcus Williams on deck.

Updated Friday, July 2 9:55 AM

Ryan Ramczyk’s contract details were released this morning. As expected, the extension will open up more cap space for New Orleans in 2021.

Based on this structure, the Saints should now have around $11M available in cap space this season. The organization has been steadfast that a veteran cornerback would be of interest should the right opportunity present itself. Now, that opportunity may present itself a bit easier than before. New Orleans could also look to address the interior defensive line, linebacker, wide receiver, or offensive line depth on the market now as well.

According to the Saints’ official website, the roster only has 85 players. They are permitted 90 at training camp. Only signings above minimum deals would count against the cap before camp begins, but the team is now in a great position to add more where needed.

They can also add more funds this year with extensions to Marcus Williams (would have to be done before July 15th) or Terron Armstead.

Some additional details on Ryan Ramczyk’s deal include the roster bonus in year two which makes 2022 the contract’s highest cap hit of over $22M. An interesting addition considering the Saints are now over the 2022 cap ceiling by about $25M. Hard to imagine they don’t have a plan there though.

All but of Ramczyk’s guaranteed money would be paid out before the 2025 season, meaning only the $3.6M signing bonus prorate would remain in terms of dead money. Extensions and restructures by that time would be likely.

There are also incentives built in for All-Pro nominations at left tackle.

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