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The New Orleans Saints started their free agency spending spree by agreeing to terms on a contract extension with starting defensive tackle David Onyemata, who was projected to be one of the top earners on the open market. While Onyemata has not signed anything just yet, that’s the only hurdle left before he’ll continue wearing black and gold.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo first reported the news, which was confirmed by NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill. Keeping Onyemata around is significant for the Saints, who are returning his co-starter, Sheldon Rankins, from his second season-ending lower leg injury in as many years. It was reported last week that NFL teams expected Onyemata to earn $10 million or more annually on the open market. Stay tuned for details on his exact contract figures.
Onyemata led the Saints in snaps played per game last season (37.7) and figures to again dominate that timeshare next to nose tackle Maclom Brown, though Rankins and second-year pro Shy Tuttle should each push for more snaps, especially once Rankins has recovered from his recent injury. Onyemata had a career-high 11 quarterback hits (plus three sacks) in 2019, as many as the previous two years combined, and is continuing to trend upwards as a young interior lineman with through-the-roof athleticism.
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