Max

Unger

Unger has a history of foot issues. He said he required an operation that would have taken the entire offseason to rehab. Going on 33, Unger was also candid about his recent play, saying he believed its quality had slipped. Unger missed only one game in four years as a Saint after coming over in a trade from the Seahawks.

Unger had one year and $5.1 million remaining on his current deal. The Saints will save $6.95 million in cash and cap space, but Unger’s move to the reserve/retired list will still count for $1.75 million in dead money against the team. A dependable starter in the middle of New Orleans’ O-line the past four seasons, Unger logged 1,012 snaps at center (17th-most at his position) just last year. It’s possible the Saints look elsewhere for help, but as it stands, 2017 UDFA Cameron Tom is an in-house candidate to replace the 32-year-old vet this upcoming season.

26-year-old Unger, a second-round pick in the 2009 draft, overcame durability issues in 2011 to start 15 games, grading out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 17 overall center. PFF rated Unger as a strong pass blocker, but below-average run blocker. The Seahawks believe they’ve found their center of the future, and weren’t going to risk losing Unger to free agency in 2013. Seattle’s offensive line has a lot of potential this season, but it must stay healthy. Durability has been an issue at all five positions over the past few years, and we placed the O-Line 25th in our May rankings. A link to that column can be accessed below.

OL coach Tom Cable called Unger’s injury a “sore foot,” suggesting his center could be back when the Seahawks come out of the bye to face the Browns in Week 7. Seattle’s offensive line was just beginning to hit its stride the past two weeks after an ugly start.

Unger just signed an extension last offseason. He went on to start all 16 games in 2012, earning a first-team All-Pro selection and making his first Pro Bowl team. Pro Football Focus graded him out as the No. 3 center in the NFL. The former Oregon Duck is signed through 2016.

The Seahawks will be down three starting offensive linemen. LT Russell Okung (toe) is on short-term injured reserve, Unger is dealing with an arm injury, and Giacomini has a balky knee. Ware is battling a sprained ankle.

They’re both offensive line starters. It’s a fairly large concern as the Seahawks get set to do battle with J.J. Watt and Antonio Smith on Sunday.

Under went down late in the third quarter. Lemuel Jeanpierre finished out the game at center. Unger should be considered week to week.

According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the new deal is worth “north” of $7 million per year. Headed into his age-30 campaign, Unger graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 9 center last season after coming over in a trade from the Seahawks. Despite the solid 2015, it’s a bit surprising the Saints are locking up a 30-year-old pivot through the next four seasons.

Unger required foot surgery in May and was initially billed questionable for the start of the season. That talk has quieted down considerably, with coach Sean Payton saying last month that he expects Unger to be back late in the preseason. Unger doesn’t require preseason work as a ninth-year veteran, but it would be nice. Either way, it sounds like he’ll be ready for real games.