Meet the Richest Right Tackle in the World

An anchor of the New Orleans Saints offensive line is now the highest-paid tackle in the NFL. Right tackle Ryan Ramczyk announced on Wednesday that he agreed with the team on a five-year contract extension that has an estimated value of $96 million, with guaranteed money in the extension amounting to $60 million. Those numbers are just absolutely mind-boggling.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport were the first to break the news. Considering that Ramczyk was already under contract through the end of this season, and the extension will keep him down by the bayou through 2026.

A first-round pick from the 2017 draft, the former Wisconsin Badger has solidified himself as one of the top offensive tackles in the NFL. He also has been a consistent presence on the line and has not had many health problems. As noted in a CBS Sports online article, “He’s also been ultra-durable, missing only one regular-season game in his first four NFL seasons, and starting in every one of those games since being drafted.”

The Saints picked up Ramczyk’s fifth-year option last season, and by giving him a contract extension now, both tackle spots for New Orleans will be locked up with Pro Bowlers in Ramczyk on the right side and Terron Armstead on the left.

The new extension, which averages $19.2 million a season, is now higher than the original bar of $18 million a year set by Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson. And through his play, he has received high marks from teammates, coaches, and opposing scouts.

“Ramczyk stepped in as an immediate starter for the Saints and solidified the right side of the offensive line. He’s missed just one regular-season game in four years and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2019. Consistently one of the best blocking tackles in the NFL, Ramczyk excels in both the run and passing game. In four seasons, he’s allowed just 10 total sacks and 10 QB hits, per Pro Football Focus.”

Now, with an over $11 million fifth-year option and a new extension in tow, Ramczyk is looking forward to the 2021 season. But some question marks surrounded the Saints when they took the former Badger back in 2017.

“In the aftermath of the 2017 NFL Draft, the discussion centered around the Saints’ ability to land quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who went one pick ahead of where New Orleans took cornerback Marshon Lattimore. We also learned that Sean Payton & Co. were planning to draft linebacker Reuben Foster with the 32nd pick, before San Francisco swooped in. Instead, the Saints ‘settled’ for Ramczyk. Sometimes fortune smiles when we’re looking the other way.”

And one of the goals for New Orleans was to maintain some critical pieces to look ahead for another potential playoff run in the 2021 season. But, with any contract, injuries will be something to monitor for the team.

“Inking Ramczyk to an extension was always believed to be one way the Saints would help get out of salary-cap jail this offseason. It took a little bit longer than New Orleans hoped, but the deal got done before training camp. The extension ensures the rock remains on the right side of a Saints O-line that should be among the best in the NFL for years to come if health endures.”

Moving forward, Ryan Ramczyk will continue to develop himself into one of the top right tackles in the NFL. If he can stay healthy, he can provide some major contributions for the Saints and be a leader for the team come playoff time.