New Orleans Saints: Possible replacements for retiring Max Unger
By Erik Lambert
The New Orleans Saints came into the 2019 offseason with a mission in mind. That mission is to finish what they started last year and reach the Super Bowl.
There’s no question the team was robbed by officials with that awful no-call penalty in the NFC championship. A call that pretty much cost them the game. Since then all of their focus has been on avenging this travesty of justice. Except not every player reacts to such disappointment the same way. A new example is veteran center, Max Unger.
Here’s a former Pro Bowler who has had a tremendous career, won a Super Bowl in Seattle, and has consistently been one of the best blockers in the best offense in the NFL. The Saints received the unfortunate information that he would not be returning for this coming season. He’ll retire instead. While it comes out of nowhere, it isn’t entirely a shock.
Unger has little left to accomplish in the NFL. He has his ring and has made plenty of money. After suffering two brutal losses the past two years in Minnesota and against the Rams, one can imagine he’s simply grown exhausted by the chase. It happens. Now the Saints are left trying to plug a huge hole in their line with the offseason already past the halfway point.
What sort of options do they have?
Source: Saints C Max Unger has retired. Wow.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 16, 2019
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Stefen Wisniewski (UFA)
It’s amazing how Wisniewski has flown under the radar for so long. He’s been a solid offensive lineman for years in the NFL. It was the case in Oakland and became the case again when he helped the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl two years ago. He isn’t too old, has experienced at center and brings steadiness to the interior. If the Saints are looking for somebody who can keep things from getting leaky, he’s a good option.
Matt Skura (RFA)
Playing his first year as a starter in 2018, Skura played really well. He only allowed two sacks all season despite having to protect a rookie in Lamar Jackson. He also had a key role in their dominant ground attack. His career is trending upward. Getting him could prove difficult as he’s a restricted free agent, but the Saints might be able to make it work if they’re aggressive enough. Skura only just turned 26-years old.
Elgton Jenkins (Draft)
Jenkins may likely be the best center in the upcoming draft. He was ranked that high most of the 2018 season and nothing has changed through the Senior Bowl and scouting combine to alter those perceptions. Size? Strength? Quickness? Intelligence? He has all those qualities and would be able to start immediately. Sean Payton is a good enough coach to where this wouldn’t be a problem. No, the issue is whether he will be there in the 2nd round, which is doubtful.