Ryan Wright

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Ryan Wright's four-year, $14.0M extension ($3.5M AAV) with the Saints is an absolute steal that earns an A CVI grade, locking up elite punting production at a fraction of what top specialists typically command. Wright has established himself as a franchise-caliber punter who consistently flips field position and pins opponents deep, yet his $3.5M annual salary ranks well below the premium tier where players of his caliber usually reside. At just 26 years old, Wright is entering his prime years and should maintain this elite level of performance throughout the contract's duration, making the four-year term length ideal for maximizing value. The $7.0M in guaranteed money provides reasonable security without handcuffing the Saints, while the modest AAV leaves plenty of salary cap flexibility for other roster construction. This represents exactly the type of smart, under-the-radar move that championship teams make — securing a difference-maker at a premium position while avoiding the inflated market rates that typically accompany elite special teams talent.

Performance Analysis

Ryan Wright has emerged as one of the NFL's premier punters over his four-year career, establishing himself as a cornerstone special teams weapon for the New Orleans Saints. The 25-year-old has delivered elite-level consistency throughout his tenure, earning an A+ grade for three consecutive seasons from 2023-2025. His perfect 17-game availability this season underscores the durability that has made him invaluable to New Orleans, appearing in all 68 possible games across his career. Wright's combination of leg strength, precision, and situational awareness has elevated him into the upper echelon of NFL punters. Wright's most impressive attribute remains his versatility as both a traditional punter and emergency passer, completing 50.0% of his attempts with a 70.8 passer rating and 6.50 yards per attempt on fake punts throughout his career. His directional punting and coffin corner placement have become signature strengths, while his ability to flip field position consistently ranks among the league's best. The former Tulane standout has shown remarkable touch on short punts inside the 20-yard line, while also possessing the leg strength to boom 60-plus yard punts when needed. His fake punt execution adds a dynamic wrinkle to New Orleans' special teams package that few punters can match. Wright's trajectory points toward continued excellence as he enters his prime years, with his three-year A+ streak indicating sustained elite performance rather than a brief peak. At just 25 years old, he has the potential to become one of the generational punters who define special teams excellence for the next decade. The Saints have found themselves a legitimate weapon in the field position battle, and Wright's consistent improvement suggests his best seasons may still lie ahead.

Fan Sentiment

The Saints landed a legitimate starting punter in Ryan Wright, a clear positional upgrade. Multiple headlines confirm the move's significance, with reporters highlighting the $14M deal and his immediate impact. Wright's 77-yard punt to the goal line signals elite leg talent and legitimate field-flipping ability. Fans are excited about upgrading a long-neglected specialist position with a proven NFL starter. Wright should stabilize New Orleans' punting game and improve field position battles for years ahead.