Saints Player Signs Record Contract, Becomes NFL’s Highest-Paid Right Tackle

The New Orleans Saints don’t want right tackle Ryan Ramczyk to leave the organization, and they’re giving him a record-setting contract to ensure that’s the case. Ramczyk has agreed to a $96 million extension, according to reports, making him the highest-paid player at his position.

The five-year extension includes $60 million guaranteed. At $19.2 million per year, Ramczyk surpasses Lane Johnson of Philadelphia Eagles for the NFL’s highest average annual value among all right tackles.

Two years ago, Johnson made history with a $72 million deal that included close to $55 million in guarantees. Ramczyk’s new contract surpasses Johnson’s deal and now ranks in the top four of active offensive linemen, according to Spotrac.

San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams owns the most lucrative contract after signing a six-year, $138 million extension in March. Williams makes $23 million per season. Left tackles David Bakhtiari, Laremy Tunsil and Ronnie Stanley also have higher salaries than Ramczyk.

New Orleans selected Ramczyk with the final pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Ramczyk made the Pro Bowl in both 2018 and 2020 and was a 2019 First-team All-Pro selection.

Ramczyk has only missed one start in his four-year career. The 27-year-old has made $8.891 million on his rookie contract.

The Saints have had a top-five scoring offense in each of the last four years. New Orleans has won four straight NFC South titles with no Super Bowl appearances during that span.

With Drew Brees retiring, the Saints will have a new full-time starting quarterback for the first time in 15 years. Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill is expected to get the nod for the 2021 season.