Saints sign Terron Armstead to 5-year extension

The New Orleans Saints announced the signing of left tackle Terron Armstead to a five-year contract extension Tuesday.

A third-round pick in 2013, Armstead was initially slated to become an unrestricted free agent next March. The extension, tacked on to the end of his rookie deal, will keep him under contract through the 2021 season.

The 24-year-old has established himself as one of the NFL's premier pass-protectors through two-plus seasons as the Saints' starting left tackle. While terms of the deal haven't yet been made official, he's long been thought to be in line for a substantial pay day.

Armstead has started 27 games at left tackle since earning the job on a full-time basis in 2014, and his presence should solidify the left side of the offensive line for the foreseeable future.