The New Orleans Saints have locked up another young player to an extension ahead of the 2023 regular season-opener.
The Saints have agreed to terms with guard Cesar Ruiz on a 4-year deal worth a maximum of $46 million, according to a report from Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. $30 million of that contract is guaranteed.
The News comes a day before the Saints open up their regular season slate against the Tennessee Titans at the Tennessee Titans, and adds security for the 2020 first-round pick out of Michigan. Ruiz had his share of struggles early in his career, but came on strong in Year 3 before a Lisfranc injury ended his season late in a Week 15 win over the Falcons.
The Saints chose not to pick up Ruiz's 5th-year option, which was likely due in part to the price tag of more than $14 million for a 1-year contract. The team was also able to monitor Ruiz's recovery, which appeared to be on schedule and avoid any major setbacks as he got on the field for the start of training camp and had no legitimate absences.
Prior to the injury Ruiz has been a model of health throughout his career, with the exception of two games missed at the start of his rookie season as he converted from center to guard. Ruiz appeared in 46 consecutive games, including all 17 in the 2022 season, with time split between guard and center as he filled in with injuries.
The contract means that each of Ruiz, Trevor Penning, Erik McCoy and Ryan Ramczyk are locked in to deals for multiple seasons, guaranteeing a bit of consistency along the Saints OL. The lone question remaining of that group falls on fellow guard Andrus Peat, who has battled injuries throughout his career and is entering a contract year, while possibly losing his starting job to veteran James Hurst.
