Larry Warford

2020 salary cap hit: $12,875,000

Warford might be the third-best free agent signing in the Sean Payton era, behind only Brees and Davis. He’s made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three years on the team (each time as an alternate, admittedly) and provided stout protection at right guard. He’s reliable in pass protection — except when asked to solo-block Aaron Donald, the best defensive lineman in football — and a real force when paving the way on the ground. This is what a home-run hit in free agency looks like.

So keeping him around longer should be a top priority. Warford is heading for a contract year in the final leg of his four-year, $34 million deal, and he’ll be just 29 when it expires. He’s got plenty of football left to play and the Saints would be wise to retain him as an important bridge between second-year center Erik McCoy and Ryan Ramczyk, who is on his way to being the best right tackle in the league. With McCoy and Ramczyk both still on their rookie contracts, the Saints should have enough room in the budget to make Warford a Saint for life. Lessening his 2020 cap hit would only be added incentive.

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