Saints Restructure K Wil Lutz' Contract

New Orleans makes another move to create salary cap space in advance of the start of the free agent signing period.

According to a report from Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network Thursday morning, the New Orleans Saints have restructured the kicker Wil Lutz' contract. The move creates an additional $1.74 million in salary-cap space for the team in advance of the March 17th start of free agency.

Lutz, 26, has played five seasons with the Saints, converting 86.6% of his career field-goal attempts.  He made the Pro Bowl in 2019, when he completed 32 of 36 field goals and 48 of 49 extra-point attempts.  Lutz struggled in 2020, playing through injury, and converted a career-low 82.1% of his field goals.

Despite those struggles, Lutz is considered one of the league's most consistent kickers. He has proven reliable in clutch situations. His accuracy and range are among the best in the NFL. Also, it gives New Orleans a bonafide scoring option from just across midfield. 

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Within the last several days, New Orleans has restructured the deals with K Lutz, DT David Onyemata, and QB Drew Brees. Also, they voided TE Jared Cook's contract and released TE Josh Hill and G Nick Easton. 

More moves are expected as the Saints attempt to get below the projected NFL salary cap for 2021.