Saints Long Snapper Signs Four-Year Contract Extension

Zach Wood will remain with the New Orleans Saints through the 2027 season.

The man with the most secure job in New Orleans gets four more years. Per NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill, the New Orleans Saints and Zach Wood reached a four-year contract extension locking him in through the 2027 season. 

November 27, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; New Orleans Saints long snapper Zach Wood (49) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints social media profiles and a press release were shared shortly thereafter including a photo of Wood and his signed deal accompanied by kicker Wil Lutz and punter Blake Gillikin. Per NOLA.com's Luke Johnson, the deal includes $2.3 million in guarantees and a $1 million signing bonus.

Wood's $2.3 million in guarantees is third-most among active long snappers across the NFL. He falls behind only New England Patriots' Joe Cardona ($2.6 million) and the New York Jets' Thomas Hennessy ($3.165 million). Wood's entire 2023 salary is a part of the guarantee.

The Saints turned to the former Cincinnati Bearcat in 2017 after initially trading a seventh round pick for veteran offensive lineman Jon Dorenbos. During Dorenbos’ physical, it was discovered that he had a life-threatening aortic aneurysm. After receiving the news, he underwent open-heart surgery and announced his retirement.

Wood was then a part of a tryout group and signed with the team. Since then, the Saints have not looked back. And now, it does not look like they will anytime soon.