Saints Offensive Lineman Is Getting Five-Year Extension

The New Orleans Saints have their eyes on a deep playoff run in 2022, and with Jameis Winston, who has been remarkably good but also very shaky in his NFL career thus far, the franchise has to do everything they can to help him win. The talent is certainly strong within Winston, and he has plenty of help on the outside, but today, the Saints made sure that one of his big protectors is going to be taken care of for a long time to come.

The #Saints and C Erik McCoy have reached agreement on a long-term contract extension, his agents at @@ApexSportsGroup announced. Deal will make him a top-5 paid center in the league.

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 8, 2022

Erik McCoy, the Saints second round pick back in 2019 has played in and started 43 games for the team since, and has been one of the most consistent and dominant centres in the league over that stretch, and now, he's paid like it, as they reached a deal for 5-years worth up to $63.75 million, with $40 million of that in guaranteed money. This puts McCoy in the top-5 paid centres in the league, and after consistent performances these past 3 seasons, no one can blame the Saints for making this move.

Now, the pressure is on Winston with good protection and great talent outside to make the most of it, as despite all the turnovers, we know he can be a good Quarterback, which is exactly what this team will need if New Orleans want to challenge Winston's former team in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a competitive NFC South.

Photo Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports