The New Orleans Saints re-signed one of their unrestricted free agents to a one-year contract: offensive lineman Michael Ola. Ola’s return was first reported by Adam Caplan of SIRIUS XM, and later confirmed by Sean Fazende of FOX8 New Orleans. The terms of the contract are unknown but likely compare to the minimum-salary deal he agreed to in 2018.
Ola was one of several reserves to get snaps in the wake of left tackle Terron Armstead’s injury, but he made more appearances on special teams (33) than offense (32) in the regular season. Ola first joined the Saints as a veteran audition during rookie minicamps following the 2018 NFL Draft, striking up a rapport with undrafted quarterback J.T. Barrett and sticking around into the regular season. He ultimately went down with a high ankle sprain in December and was lost to injured reserve.
Bringing him back for the 2019 offseason makes plenty of sense. Ola gives the Saints another experienced offensive tackle to work with over the summer as he makes a bid for a spot on the opening-day roster. With Ola back in the fold, the Saints have five offensive tackles rostered for 2019:
- Terron Armstead
- Ryan Ramczyk
- Derek Newton
- Nate Wozniak
- Michael Ola
Update: Nick Underhill of the Advocate reported Ola’s contract details: one year, $805,000 with a $645,000 salary cap hit in 2019. Minimum salary figures, as expected.
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