The New Orleans Saints have reportedly signed left tackle Terron Armstead to a 5 year extension, a wise move by the front office.

It will lock Armstead up through 2021 if he plays out the life of the contract.

While terms of the deal haven't been released yet, signing Armstead now rather than waiting until his rookie contract expires after the 2016 season is the right move.

He's been consistently one of the best players in New Orleans the last two seasons, protecting the blindside of quarterback Drew Brees and helping Mark Ingram earn a Pro Bowl bid in 2014.

Taking over as starting left tackle late in the 2013 season, Armstead struggled in his first start against then Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy. Its been all uphill since, as he continually played at a high level.

Pro Football Outsiders ranked the Saints offensive line as 3rd best in the league last year, with Armstead being the biggest reason why.

A third round pick in 2013 out of Arkansas Pine-Bluff, the 6'4, 305 pounder ran an impressive 4.65 forty time at the NFL Combine.

With Armstead signed beyond 2016, the Saints biggest free agents following 2016 are quarterback Drew Brees and starting center Max Unger.

More From 97.3 The Dawg