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Saints breakout player proving why he got paid the big bucks

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated 10/10/23

The New Orleans Saints locked down one of their own earlier this season. Carl Granderson was extended as a key defensive lineman for the Saints for years to come.

The Saints signed Granderson to a four-year, $52 million contract extension that includes $35.3 million guaranteed. They realized his talent last season, and he is building on it this season in an expanded role.

Granderson is now the starter opposite of Cameron Jordan at edge rusher for New Orleans. Last season, he totaled six sacks. This year, he has 3.5 sacks in five games. Additionally, Granderson has been a consistent run stopper.

Sacks and QB hits will get the attention (and there have been plenty), but to be a successful 4-3 defensive end you've got to be equally good against the run.

A big part of why Carl Granderson (96) got paid is plays like this #Saints ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/MCzoDLDS9r
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) October 10, 2023

Granderson's balanced game is why the Saints staff and front office locked him up. They understood his value as an under-the-radar lineman in the NFC, and they couldn't risk losing him.

In Week 5, Granderson and the D-Line had their best game of the season so far. They smothered the Patriots offense.

The Saints had THREE edge defenders with a 90+ grade vs the Patriots:

⚜️ Carl Granderson - 92.1
⚜️ Cameron Jordan - 90.9
⚜️ Tanoh Kpassagnon - 90.2@Saints pic.twitter.com/VMkl93NzCr
— PFF NO Saints (@PFF_Saints) October 10, 2023

Granderson won't get headlines, but New Orleans probably prefers it that way. That allows them to deploy him in multiple spots. That gives him an opportunity to use plenty of different moves to get to the passer or stop the run.

Locking him down looks like a smart decision - as does letting Marcus Davenport walk in order to see more of Granderson on the field.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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