Ramczyk served as a stalwart member of the Saints’ offensive line from 2017-2023, battling through deteriorating cartilage in his knee. He was sidelined by the issue for the full 2024 season. Ramczyk’s NFL accolades include a spot on the 2017 PFWA All-Rookie Team, two second-team All-Pro nods (2018 and 2020) and one first-team All-Pro (2019) spot.

Ominously, ESPN’s Katherine Terrell notes that “the move is the same one the Saints made before quarterback Drew Brees’ retirement in 2021.” The Saints reduced Ramczyk’s base salary to the veteran minimum and freed up $16.47 million in cap space for 2025. He did not play in the 2024 season due to deteriorating cartilage in his knee. 31 in April, it would make all the sense in the world for the Ramczyk to walk away later this offseason if that is indeed the plan.

There was some confusion as to the rules, but as a vested veteran who was placed on reserve/PUP before final cuts, 30-year-old Ramczyk is required to miss the entire year. It’s a major blow for what the Saints are hoping will be a new-look offense this season, though Ramczyk has missed 13 games over the past three years. He had reportedly undergone “minor” knee surgery. It would seem it wasn’t so minor after all. Out of guaranteed money following this season, Ramczyk turns 31 in April.

Saints beat writer Nick Underhill reports that Ramczyk will miss the first four games of this season and that “the expectation is that he’s not particularly close [to a return].” Underhill believes Ramczyk’s absence will extend beyond the requisite four games and later added that there’s a chance Ramczyk . The veteran tackle underwent a minor knee surgery this offseason according to head coach Dennis Allen, but that appears to be anything but the case in light of today’s news.