The New Orleans Saints have agreed to terms with tackle Zach Strief on a five-year contract, it was announced today by Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis. A model of consistency, Strief started 15 regular season games and both postseason contests in 2013 at right tackle and has held down that position since 2011, opening 38 regular season games and four playoff contests over the last three seasons at the position.  

"We are excited to announce that Zach will stay with us into the future," Loomis said. "Not only has he done an excellent job at the right tackle position, but he has served us well as an offensive team captain for the past two seasons and has always been a great asset in the community since he first came here in 2006."

Strief was selected by the Saints in the seventh round (210th overall) of the 2006 NFL draft and has appeared in 109 career regular season games with 45 starts and has played in 10 postseason contests with four starts at right tackle. The former Northwestern standout has been an anchor on the offensive line over the last three seasons for one of the league's top-ranked offenses, with the club ranking first, second and fourth successively during this time in net yards per game.

Strief has also been known as one of the NFL's most community-minded players during his tenure in the league. Throughout his career, he has made countless visits to local schools and hospitals in the Greater New Orleans Area, taking a particular interest to assisting youth and people in need.