The New Orleans Saints tackled one of their offseason priorities by signing backup safety Chris Banjo to a contract extension, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Rapoport reports that the terms of the contract run for three years and totals out to as much as $9 million in earnings. Josh Katzenstein of the Times-Picayune confirmed the signing.
Banjo has appeared infrequently on defense but still logged three interceptions over the last two years. His real contributions have come on special teams, where Banjo has held up well in coverage on punts and kickoffs. He was one of the Saints’ core special teamers on those units with 277 snaps played in 2018 — only Taysom Hill and Craig Robertson saw more action.
The Saints had just three safeties rostered before Banjo’s extension, including returning starters Vonn Bell and Marcus Williams. J.T. Gray is also back having spent much of the 2018 season on the practice squad. This move solidifies the position for New Orleans ahead of free agency and rewards one of their important team leaders.
