The New Orleans Saints have announced that center Max Unger is retiring. Unger, who is 32 years old, made the pro bowl last season and had one year left on his current deal. The move clears up $6.9 million in salary-cap space for the Saints but leaves the offensive line without one of leagues best centers. In his four seasons with the Saints, Unger has only missed one regular season game.
ESPN’s Field Yates was first to report Unger’s retirement via Twitter.
Source: Saints C Max Unger has retired. Wow.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 16, 2019
The NFL confirmed the news soon thereafter.
.@Saints C Max Unger is retiring after 10 seasons. pic.twitter.com/6n25vvMTgN
— NFL (@NFL) March 16, 2019
Max Unger was drafted out of the University of Oregon in 2009 by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round. In his time in Seattle, Unger made two pro bowls, an all-pro team, and was a part of the Seahawks championship-winning season in 2014. In 2015, Unger was shipped to the New Orleans Saints in a trade that sent tight-end Jimmy Graham to Seattle.
Ex-teammate, quarterback Russell Wilson, shared his thoughts on Unger via Twitter after the announcement.
To a true competitor & Super Bowl 48 Champion. Thanks for being a leader. Since my Rookie Year on… thanks for all you did. ? ? Thanks Max Unger. One of the best Centers to ever play the game. pic.twitter.com/c23HzqLFk2
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 17, 2019
While in New Orleans, Unger anchored an offensive line that helped quarterback Drew Brees remain in his prime and in the MVP race at the age of 40 as well as block for one of the leagues best two-headed rushing attacks. His absence from the line will be a tough hurdle for the Saints to get over. Unger has not yet commented on the reasons he chose to retire leaving many in the dark as to why the 32-year-old center decided to call it quits after making his third pro bowl and being on a team that has reasonable championship aspirations. The Saints are now left looking for his replacement both on the current roster and in free agency.
