Extending Carl Granderson proved to be a great decision for the Saints
At the beginning of the 2023 season, the New Orleans Saints extended defensive lineman Carl Granderson, and it already
appears to have been a wise decision.
The New Orleans Saints signed defensive end Carl Granderson to a four-year, $52 million contract extension three weeks into
the 2023 NFL season. For a Wyoming player who was not selected in the 2019 draft, it was a significant occasion.
Despite facing competition from players selected in the first round, Granderson persevered and rose to become one of the Saints’ most valuable players.
In a recent article on NFL.com, Kevin Patra identified a team’s unsung hero. “Players whose contributions WEREN’T noted
with Pro Bowl nods or All-Pro selections” and “surprise difference-makers who don’t get the attention they deserve” were two
definitions of unsung heroes. Carl Granderson was recognized by Patra for New Orleans.
Carl Granderson named unsung hero for Saints
Patra praised Granderson’s ability to play behind the line of scrimmage, calling him the team’s “most reliable front-seven
defender.” Granderson led the team in 2023 with 8.5 sacks. Granderson started every one of the 17 games and added 78 tackles,
14 for a loss, and one forced fumble. Patra also noted that Granderson recorded 60 stops, which was second on the team only to
Demario Davis, and 64 QB pressures, which was 26 more than any other player.
Granderson’s season was unquestionably his greatest to date, keeping up his record of getting better each year. Granderson has
participated in 71 games in his five seasons with the Saints, tallying 23 sacks, 181 tackles, 33 for a loss, and four forced fumbles.
Granderson should just be starting started at the age of 27.
Despite the fact that he is currently an unsung hero, this season he raised the bar for himself. That implies that he will have high
expectations going into next year and will be expected to perform even better. He will receive the recognition he is due if he takes that action.
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