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As the NFL offseason looms large, teams are beginning to focus on retooling their rosters for the upcoming season. Among the players making headlines is a 25-year-old star from the New Orleans Saints who, after a breakout year, is projected to land a massive contract worth $70.1 million. This potential deal is a reflection of not only the player’s incredible talent but also the Saints’ vision for the future and their efforts to lock in a key piece of their franchise moving forward.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into who this 25-year-old player is, why his breakout season has elevated his value, and what the potential deal could mean for both him and the New Orleans Saints. With the stakes higher than ever, let’s explore the details surrounding this exciting development and how the Saints could solidify their future with this big contract.

### **The Rising Star: Who is the 25-Year-Old?**

The player at the center of this conversation is **Cesar Ruiz**, a 25-year-old offensive lineman who plays center for the New Orleans Saints. Ruiz, who was drafted by the Saints in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, had long been regarded as a promising talent but has truly blossomed into a key member of the Saints’ offensive line during the 2024 season.

After a somewhat rocky start to his career, where Ruiz faced the typical challenges of transitioning to the NFL, he broke out in a big way during the 2024 campaign. His performances were marked by an impressive blend of strength, agility, and football IQ. Over the course of the season, Ruiz emerged as one of the top centers in the league, earning rave reviews from both analysts and his teammates.

Ruiz’s growth as a player was evident in his ability to anchor the Saints’ offensive line, protect quarterback **Derek Carr**, and create holes in the running game for **Alvin Kamara** and the Saints’ running backs. His proficiency in both pass protection and run blocking made him one of the most reliable players on the offensive line.

### **Why a $70.1 Million Contract Is Realistic**

Ruiz’s rise to prominence has undoubtedly captured the attention of both the Saints’ front office and NFL analysts around the league. With his contract set to expire soon, the Saints are faced with the decision of locking him down for the long term, and based on his stellar 2024 performance, a hefty extension could be on the horizon.

In today’s NFL, offensive linemen—particularly centers—are often unsung heroes. While they may not always grab the spotlight, their importance cannot be overstated. A strong, reliable center is crucial to any offense, as they are responsible for making the initial line calls and ensuring that the quarterback is protected from inside pressure. In a pass-heavy league, where interior pressure can disrupt an entire offensive game plan, a solid center is essential to a team’s success.

What makes Ruiz even more valuable is his age. At just 25 years old, Ruiz still has plenty of football left in him, and his potential for continued growth is enormous. The combination of his youth, his recent performance, and the fact that offensive line contracts are reaching higher amounts in today’s NFL makes his projected $70.1 million deal a very realistic figure.

For comparison, top centers in the league like **Corey Linsley** and **Frank Ragnow** have signed deals that average in the $12-$14 million per year range. Given Ruiz’s age and the level of play he has displayed over the past season, a deal in the same range or higher would make sense for the Saints as they look to secure his services for the future.

A $70.1 million deal would not only lock in Ruiz for the long term but also signal the Saints’ commitment to building a strong, stable offensive line that can protect their quarterback and create running lanes for their dynamic running back.

### **What Does This Contract Mean for the New Orleans Saints?**

The potential $70.1 million deal for Ruiz is not just important for him but also has significant implications for the New Orleans Saints as a whole. Here’s a breakdown of what this move could mean for the team.

#### **1. Stabilizing the Offensive Line**

The Saints have experienced their fair share of offensive line upheaval in recent years, with some key veterans moving on and injuries taking their toll on the group. However, with Ruiz’s development into one of the top centers in the league, re-signing him to a long-term deal would solidify the middle of their offensive line for the foreseeable future. By doing so, they would create a foundation from which the offensive line could grow and develop, with Ruiz serving as the anchor.

Ruiz has already proven that he can be a cornerstone of the offensive line, and with the Saints expected to have a competitive window in the next few seasons, ensuring that their offensive line is a strength will be crucial. A strong offensive line is critical to offensive success, and by locking up Ruiz, the Saints would be ensuring that their offense remains balanced and efficient.

#### **2. Protection for Derek Carr**

One of the main reasons the Saints brought in **Derek Carr** was to stabilize the quarterback position. Carr has shown throughout his career that he can be a highly effective quarterback, but like any signal-caller, he needs strong protection from his offensive line to thrive.

A long-term deal for Ruiz would directly benefit Carr. With a center as capable as Ruiz handling the middle of the line, Carr would have more confidence in the pocket, knowing that he has a reliable presence keeping the interior clean. Whether it’s delivering quick throws, making deep passes, or leading the team during crunch time, Carr’s effectiveness will be significantly enhanced if his offensive line, and especially the center, is providing him with solid protection.

#### **3. Offensive Balance and Running Game Stability**

Another key aspect of the Saints’ offense is their running game. The Saints have one of the league’s best running backs in **Alvin Kamara**, and as the team looks to implement a more balanced attack moving forward, ensuring they have a dominant offensive line to open up running lanes is crucial.

Ruiz’s ability to help create push in the running game would help Kamara maintain his status as one of the top backs in the league. In addition to Kamara, the Saints could also get better production from their depth backs, as a powerful and stable offensive line opens up more opportunities for explosive runs and sustained drives. A healthy, productive running game would also complement Carr’s passing attack, giving the Saints a true balance on offense.

#### **4. A Commitment to the Future**

Signing Ruiz to a long-term, $70.1 million deal would also send a message that the Saints are committed to the future. In a league where star players can be fleeting and turnover is common, the Saints’ decision to lock up a 25-year-old star signals that they’re not just looking at the short term—they’re building for sustained success.

Ruiz is a player who could be a part of the Saints’ future for the next decade, and his presence will help the team maintain stability on offense as they continue to build around Carr. In addition, the deal would give the Saints more flexibility in terms of roster-building, knowing that they have one of the key pieces of their offensive line secured for the long run.

### **Conclusion**

The projected $70.1 million deal for Cesar Ruiz is a reflection of the 25-year-old center’s breakout performance during the 2024 season and his crucial role in the success of the New Orleans Saints. For the Saints, locking up Ruiz to a long-term contract would stabilize their offensive line, provide protection for Derek Carr, and ensure a balanced offensive attack that can compete with the best teams in the NFC.

As the Saints look to build for the future, securing Ruiz’s services would be a major step in the right direction. The deal would also send a message to the rest of the NFL that New Orleans is committed to its young core and is ready to compete for championships in the coming seasons. For both Ruiz and the Saints, the future looks bright.