Set to be a restricted free agent, Senio Kelemete will stay with the Saints on a two-year extension, NOLA.com’s Evan Woodberry reports.
The deal could be worth up to $4MM, according to the NFL Network.
The fifth-year offensive lineman’s been with New Orleans for the past three seasons — spending the first of which on the team’s practice squad — after initially entering the league as a fifth-round selection of the Cardinals’. He made his first start last season in place of Jahri Evans and broke with the Saints’ starting linemen in four additional games before Evans returned.
The Saints cut Evans after 10 seasons and will have an opening at his right guard slot as a result. A University of Washington product, Kelemete’s served as a backup center and tackle as well, increasing his value to the Saints.
New Orleans now has seven offensive linemen under contract, Woodberry tweets, but still have to determine whether or not to tender left guard Tim Lelito by Wednesday. Lelito started 13 games for the Saints last season and is a restricted free agent after arriving in New Orleans in 2013 like Kelemete.
Congratulations brother! We believe in you. I’m so happy that after putting your all in everyday and having great patience. You have received your first of many contracts and blessings. Proud of you buddy. Now let’s open up some huge holes for our running backs and great protection for Brees. All the way to the Super Bowl!!! Who Dat!