Report: Saints restructure DE Carl Granderson’s contract, save $8.59M

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints may not be done spending in free agency just yet. The team has pulled another one of its salary cap-saving levers, bringing about the largest saving option the team had left. 

Per ESPN’s Katherine Terrell, the Saints restructured the contract of defensive end Carl Granderson, saving $8.59 million. New Orleans converted Granderson’s base salary and $2 million roster bonus into a signing bonus in the move. 

The team did not add another void year to the contract, another sign of the club’s improving financial situation. 

Per Over The Cap, New Orleans now has north of $24 million available in spending potential. However, that estimation has not yet accounted for the 2026 additions of running back Travis Etienne Jr., linebacker Kaden Elliss, tight end Noah Fant and offensive lineman Dillon Radunz. 

It’s likely the team has much less than this projection suggests. But with some crafty contract structures, it may still have room for some notable additions. With only the top-51 contracts counting against the cap until preseason roster cuts, some savings are built into new signings. 

Acquisitions at edge rusher, cornerback and wide receiver would all make sense before the Saints head into next month’s NFL Draft.