Punter signings don't tend to make noise, but if you've followed the New Orleans Saints over the past seasons, you know just how big agreeing to terms with Minnesota Vikings punter Ryan Wright is for the Saints. It's not David Edwards, Travis Etienne or any move fans have been clamoring for, but it's impactful. Plus, there's still time to get those signings done.
Punters aren't an expensive position either. Wright agreed to a four year deal worth $14 million, with $8 million in guarantees. That's an average of $3.5 million per year. That would make him the fourth highest paid punter in terms of total value, annual salary and guarantees.
Wright had a successful 2025 campaign in which he was top 10 in punt distance and fourth in the league in net average. That equates to good distance and kicks that eliminate viable returns. To further that, Wright landed nearly 40 percent of his punts inside the 20 yard line. The Saints have been needing a quality punter for years, and he's finally here.
Ryan Wright should stop the revolving door at punter since the Saints lost Thomas Morstead
Look at the contract and it's clear the Saints put some value in this signing. They didn't do what they've been doing for years. Instead of going the undrafted free agent route once again, the team actually went out and valued the position.
Since Thomas Morstead left after the 2020 season, the Saints have been rotating punters in left and right. Always going with the undrafted punter then picking up a new one the following season. They say doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. For the first time since Morstead's departure, it feels like the Saints finally got their sanity back.
The Saints have tried to make it work with Kai Kroeger, Matthew Hayball and Lou Hedley, and it just hasn't been effective. Blake Gilikin is the only replacement that lasted more than a season. With Wright on a four year deal, it's no longer about proving it.
The Saints are making a long term investment in a veteran punter who now needs to just continue down the path that he's on. For Wright, this is a return to New Orleans after going to college at Tulane. That makes two big Louisiana reunion for the Saints in free agency this year.