Max Unger, Saints Agree to New Contract: Latest Details and Reaction

Center Max Unger agreed to a three-year contract extension on Sept. 1 that will keep him with the New Orleans Saints for the foreseeable future.

Herbie Teope of the Times-Picayune first reported the deal, which Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirmed.

Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Advocate reported the deal is worth $7.4 million annually along with a $7 million signing bonus and $14.3 million in guaranteed money.

Unger spent the first six years of his career with the Seattle Seahawks before they traded him as part of the deal for tight end Jimmy Graham. He started all 16 games for the Saints in 2015.

While centers aren't always recognized for their work in the trenches, Unger has earned plenty of respect from players and coaches around the league.

The 30-year-old veteran has been a Pro Bowler twice in his career and was named first-team All-Pro in 2012.

In his first season with the Saints, the coaching staff named him the most valuable player on the offense:

Per Rod Walker of the New Orleans Advocate, Saints offensive line coach Dan Roushar said of Unger:

"

He’s an outstanding leader. If you really pay attention to him, the minute he hits the field, there’s a bounce in his step. There’s a determination to get better and an expectation that he carries to everyone. He sets the tone, and he carries the tone. The young guys watch him, and they know that’s how it’s done. He’s a pro. 

"

Even though the Saints finished last year with a disappointing 7-9 record, the offensive line still provided good protection while allowing just 32 sacks, tied for eighth-fewest in the NFL.

While New Orleans has a number of inexperienced players along its offensive line, such as Andrus Peat and Tim Lelito, Unger will help make sure the entire unit is as good as possible heading into the 2016 season and beyond.