LATEST: Reasons why Saints should re-sign Andrus Peat

Offensive tackle Andrus Peat of Stanford was chosen by the New Orleans Saints with the thirteenth pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Standing at a massive 6’7″ and 316 pounds, Peat was supposed to replace NFL veteran Zach Strief at right tackle for one of the league’s top offenses.

Peat’s first year did not go as expected. While he was inactive for four games and struggled in general, he officially started eight games. Peat began fifteen competitions in 2016, but he was still unable to replace Strief at different points during the competition. In addition to playing a little better at left tackle than right, he filled in for an injured Terron Armstead at left tackle and guard.

The Saints were compelled to select offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk with a first-round choice in the 2017 draft due of Peat’s inconsistent play at tackle. Peat found a home when he was relocated permanently inside to left guard, which proved to be a gift in disguise.

Despite having trouble with pass protection, Peat was one of the league’s finest guards in run blocking from 2017 to 2020. Between 2018 and 2020, he was selected to three consecutive Pro Bowls because to his abilities. Additionally, he shown remarkable adaptability by frequently stepping in at left tackle in the many injuries that sidelined Armstead.

Injuries were another problem with Peat besides pass blocking. Peat missed 22 games and a significant portion of numerous others due to injury between 2015 and 2020. In addition to missing fifteen more games in 2021 and 2022, his performance declined.

Peat would be on the final year of a revised deal as of 2023. Moreover, he would not be in the starting lineup for the first time in his career. Left tackle Trevor Penning, a 2022 first-round selection, was the starter. Then, James Hurst, a dependable veteran, would take Peat’s left guard position.

Andrus Peat was a late addition to the 2023 campaign, almost an afterthought. He would prove to be one of the season’s most delightful surprises.

Andrus Peat 2023

In their first six games, New Orleans gave up 17 sacks, averaged 3.4 yards per carry, and scored 17 points with 289 total yards and fewer than 96 yards of rushes. During that time, Peat made one start at right guard in place of an injured Cesar Ruiz. Hurst was the guard and Penning was the tackle on the left side of the line.

Before facing Jacksonville in Week 7, Penning was sitting on the bench. Unexpectedly, Peat would be given the go-ahead right away. For the remainder of the year, he would not give up this work. During his nine-year career, he would participate in the most games—16—along the road.

Over the last 11 games, the Saints have significantly improved up front with Peat at left tackle. During those time, New Orleans allowed 15 sacks, averaged 27 points, 357 yards, and 106 running yards with an average of 3.8. During the final three quarters of the season, Peat’s presence strengthened the offensive line even if he is undoubtedly not a long-term solution at left tackle.

Now scheduled to enter the free-agent market next month is 30-year-old Peat. The Saints will also have unrestricted access to offensive linemen Hurst, Trai Turner, and Cameron Erving. A degenerative knee problem is also plaguing Ryan Ramczyk, while Hurst and Cesar Ruiz’s play has significantly declined.

Most predict that New Orleans will address the offensive line in both free agency and with a high draft choice given those concerns and Penning’s apparent massive bust status. Re-signing Peat, who just had what was perhaps his greatest season in four years, may somewhat reduce the upfront requirements.

Andrus Peat is not a reliable starting tackle or guard in the long run. But keeping him on board would also assist maintain the continuity of a line that will undergo some adjustments in 2024, given his unexpected performance in 2023.