Andrus Peat's 5-Year New Orleans Saints Career in Review
Andrus Peat, the 32-year-old former NFL offensive lineman, has officially announced his retirement from the league after 11 years of service. Peat's decision to walk away from football comes as no surprise, considering his last stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 was limited to just six games and three starts.
Peat's journey in the NFL began with the New Orleans Saints, where he spent nine of his eleven seasons. Drafted by the Saints in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Peat was expected to win a starting job at offensive tackle as a rookie. However, he failed to overtake incumbent Zach Strief on the right side and struggled as an injury replacement for Terron Armstead at left tackle.
Despite the early struggles, Peat eventually found a home at left guard, a position he started 66 games over a five-year stretch. He made three consecutive Pro Bowls between 2018 and 2020, showcasing his growth and development as a player. Peat's ability to adapt and thrive in a new position was a testament to his resilience and dedication to the sport.
In 2021, a torn pectoral limited Peat to just six contests, but he returned in 2022 to start 11 games at his familiar guard spot. His effectiveness in this role was evident, as he started 12 games at left tackle in 2023, despite not playing well outside at the beginning of his career.
Peat's time with the Saints came to an end in 2024, when he hit free agency and signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. His stint with the Raiders was short-lived, and he eventually signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025. This marked the end of Peat's tenure with the Saints, a team he had been a part of for nearly a decade.
While some may view Peat as a first-round draft bust, his rebound as a guard is a notable achievement. He played 111 games with the Saints, making 102 starts and was part of one of the NFL's better offensive lines during a five-year stretch. Peat's legacy with the Saints will be remembered as a player who persevered and adapted, eventually becoming one of the league's better interior blockers.
Peat's official retirement statement on Instagram reads, "11 years in the league, I gave it everything I had. I may be walking away from football, but not from the lessons it taught me." As Peat embarks on this new chapter in his life, fans and former teammates will remember him for his dedication and resilience, both on and off the field.
Source: Yahoo Sports