New Orleans Saints Offensive Lineman's Career In Jeopardy

The New Orleans Saints' most-talented and reliable offensive lineman's career is in jeopardy.

A cartilage defect in Ryan Ramczyk's left knee has jeopardized the career of the New Orleans Saints' most talented and reliable offensive lineman. Ramcyzk told ESPN's Kat Terrell, "I don't know, I think those are the discussions we are going to have, that need to be had, and we'll go from there. ... I'll talk with surgeons, doctors, get as much as information as I can and then just make the best decision."

New Orleans selected Ramczyk out of Wisconsin as the 32nd overall draft pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He will miss his third straight game for the Saints and most likely the season finale against Atlanta in Week 18.

Dec 25, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk (71) in the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Head coach Dennis Allen spoke about Ramcyzk, saying, "A lot of communication is going on with him and the doctors in terms of what the right thing to do is, so I think we're not at the point where we've made any final decisions."

Currently, the team is going into a homestretch of its season, still contending for an NFL Playoff spot with its best offensive lineman. With his career's outlook murky, Ramczyk remains hopeful, "I feel like I'm not done yet. I feel like I still want to play."

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Ramcyzk, 29, is a three-time All-Pro (2018, 2019, 2020) and has started in all of his 99 game appearances for New Orleans. The highly-praised right tackle is amid a 5-year contract extension, receiving $60M in guarantees and a $19M signing bonus. OverthCap.com reports he will receive $6.5M in guaranteed money on March 20, 2024. Next season, New Orleans will have a $27M salary cap hit from Ramczyk's $17M base salary and $10M prorated bonus.

New Orleans' offensive line has been a challenge the past two seasons, so expect the team to seek help via free agency and in the 2024 NFL Draft to address the concerns, especially at both tackle positions.