Saints right tackle Ryan Ramczyk will sit out the entirety of the 2024 NFL season after the team placed him on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday.
Ramczyk has been grappling with a severe knee injury that has been deemed potentially career-ending. Throughout the offseason, the Saints’ optimism regarding his recovery has waned.
At 30 years old, Ramczyk was originally selected by the Saints in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He had been entering the final season of a four-year, $8.891 million rookie contract when New Orleans exercised their fifth-year option for the 2021 campaign.
Before the start of the 2021 season, Ramczyk agreed to a lucrative five-year, $96 million contract extension with the Saints, securing his place as a cornerstone of their offensive line. His 2021 salary under the fifth-year option was set at $11.064 million.
During the 2023 NFL season, Ramczyk played in and started 12 games for the Saints at the right tackle position, demonstrating his reliability and skill. His contribution was underscored by a $14 million base salary for that year.
Originally, Ramczyk’s contract for the 2024 season was structured to carry a significant cap hit of $27.025 million. However, the Saints restructured his deal this offseason, significantly reducing his cap number to $12.86 million. Despite these efforts, his ongoing knee issues have ultimately sidelined him for the upcoming season.
Ramczyk’s absence will leave a notable void in the Saints’ offensive line, where his consistent performance and leadership were highly valued. His extended absence due to the knee injury marks a significant setback for both him personally and the team’s aspirations for the upcoming season.
Looking ahead, the Saints will need to make adjustments to compensate for Ramczyk’s absence, potentially reshuffling their offensive line configurations or exploring external options to fill the void at right tackle.
The team’s decision to place Ramczyk on the reserve/PUP list reflects the severity of his injury and the realization that his rehabilitation timeline will extend well beyond the start of the 2024 NFL season.
In conclusion, Ryan Ramczyk’s unavailability for the 2024 season due to a serious knee injury represents a challenging development for both him and the New Orleans Saints, necessitating adjustments and contingency planning as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.