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So this is interesting. While NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill first reported that the Saints’ contract extension with offensive lineman James Hurst was a three-year deal, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler confirmed that the new agreement will pay out $9 million, including $5 million in guarantees. What’s intriguing is that Fowler adds the contract carries incentives that raise its maximum value to $13.5 million should Hurst become a starter.
Hurst has played both left tackle, right tackle, and left guard during his NFL career, starting full seasons at the latter two spots during his Baltimore Ravens tenure. He mainly filled in at left tackle in New Orleans last season, though he totaled 402 snaps with the Saints offense overall.
His return adds some confidence to the offensive line considering neither left tackle Terron Armstead nor right tackle Ryan Ramczyk are signed beyond the 2021 season. If either player leaves, Hurst is an experienced candidate to replace them in the starting lineup, which is reflected in his new contract.
Of course the Saints would want to keep Armstead and Ramczyk in the fold. But between Armstead’s age and injury issues and the depressed salary cap, it’s possible they try to move him in a trade or let him walk in free agency in 2022 while investing in his younger teammate. Starting Ramczyk at one side and Hurst at the other isn’t the worst succession plan. And if a team like the tackle-needy Kansas City Chiefs comes calling with a good trade offer, well, the Saints can’t really afford to ignore them.
So here’s hoping New Orleans finds a way to make the money work and retain both of their elite bookends, allowing Hurst to continue to help out in a backup role. But let’s not refuse to accept other possibilities could be in the works now that his contract details are out in the open.