The New Orleans Saints burned a little of the midnight oil to sign free agent Nick Easton to a four-year, $24 million contract, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. Easton’s agents at JL Sports confirmed the signing. Easton last took the field as a starting left guard for the Minnesota Vikings, playing in all 16 games during the 2017 season. He lost most of the 2018 campaign to a neck injury but passed muster well enough for the Saints to invest this long-term contract in him.
The newest Saint brings valuable starter’s experience at right guard and, crucially, center. Longtime center Max Unger announced his retirement on March 16, putting the Saints in a tough spot. Adding Easton gives them a plug-in replacement plan, but it’s far too soon to rule out Unger’s backup Cameron Tom or the team’s final 2018 NFL Draft pick, Will Clapp, in the competition for the starting gig. If Easton doesn’t win the job outright, he could very well push oft-injured left guard Andrus Peat out of his spot.
But for now, the Saints intend to play Easton at center, and they surely envision him as the clear-cut starter once training camp kicks off. It’s good to see them prioritize a position of need in free agency. Now can they do something about tight end?
