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His first 3 seasons were all good, quality years. The last two have been rough.
— PFF NO Saints (@PFF_Saints) March 20, 2020
Here’s a big development for the New Orleans Saints in free agency: two-time Pro Bowl left guard Andrus Peat agreed to terms on a five-year contract extension with the team on Friday, valued at $57.5 million with a whopping $33 million tied up in guarantees. It’s a big pay day for the former first-round draft pick, the only member of the Saints’ 2015 draft class still with the team.
However, it may have not been the right move. While Peat’s on-field level of play has swung wildly from top-tier highlights to best-forgotten low moments, his extensive injury history alone should give fans pause. He’s only played 60 of 70 possible games, missing time with injuries including a broken arm (2019); a sprained ankle, concussion, and broken hand (2018); a broken leg and high ankle sprain (2017); and other ailments including a vague leg injury (2016 and 2015).
Offensive lines often suffer a high level of attrition in the NFL, owing to the physicality of the position sometimes likened to a weekly car crash. But Peat has missed more time than most starters at his pay grade, and when he has suited up, he hasn’t played at a consistent level. It’s concerning that the Saints invested so heavily in a player who is still unproven this late in his career.
On the other hand: they didn’t have any better options. All of the other top free agent guards had already signed with new teams, and barring a blockbuster trade for New England Patriots franchise player Joe Thuney (which would surely require at least a first-round draft pick), Peat was the best shot New Orleans had at shoring up the position.
Maybe the Saints could have let backups Nick Easton, Will Clapp, and Cameron Tom (also a free agent in need of re-signing) battle it out, but it’s more likely they would have had to reach too high on a prospect or trade up for one in next month’s draft.
So, it’s too soon to say that this move was a bad one. There are certainly positives to take away from it, like Peat’s familiarity with the offense and Drew Brees’ comfort level in working with him. But Peat’s sometimes-poor performance and lack of availability definitely make it look worst out of the roster moves the Saints have made this offseason. Here’s hoping Peat proves the doubters wrong.
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