New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk (71) blocks Dallas Cowboys defensive end Kerry Hyder (51) in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Saints make Ryan Ramczyk highest-paid right tackle in NFL with $96 million deal

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/30/21

The New Orleans Saints still don't know who their quarterback of the future will be. But whoever it is, he will be well protected.

The Saints announced Wednesday that they signed All-Pro right tackle Ryan Ramczyk to a five-year extension. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the deal is worth $96 million, making him the highest-paid right tackle in the NFL.

Right tackle Ryan Ramczyk’s record-setting deal with the Saints has a $19.2 million average per year, actually making it a $96 million deal. https://t.co/6NAJNFtjTP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 30, 2021

The $19.2 million per season contract tops the $18 million per year deal Lane Johnson signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019.

Ramczyk has been one of the league's best linemen since being drafted in 2017. He was named first-team All-Pro in 2019 and was named to the second team in 2018 and 2019.

New Orleans' decision to extend Ramczyk was an easy one. Whoever starts at quarterback following Drew Brees' retirement, whether it be Jameis Winston, Taysom Hill or another candidate, will need strong protection.

Ramzcyk reflected on his new deal Wednesday, saying being the highest-paid right tackle in the NFL won't change how he plays.

"It's awesome," he said, according to Pro Football Talk. "But at the end of the day, I'm going to go out and do what I always do and train the way I do."

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