Six-year NFL safety and core special teamer Chris Banjo signed a three-year, $9 million dollar extension with the New Orleans Saints. The deal keeps Banjo in New Orleans until the 2021 season when the safety will be 31 years old. Banjo, an SMU product, spent the 2018 season with the New Orleans Saints but has also played for the Green Bay Packers and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The #Saints have agreed to terms with safety and standout special teamer Chris Banjo on a 3-year extension worth up to $9M, source said. A priority for New Orleans.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2019
Chris Banjo, New Orleans Saints Agree to Three-Year Extension
Banjo appeared in 16 games for the 2018 New Orleans Saints, all as a backup. During his time on defense, Banjo recorded 10 tackles and two passes defended. However, the 28-year old safety played in 64.7% of the special teams snaps.
Banjo originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent following the 2012 NFL Draft. Unfortunately for Banjo, the SMU product couldn’t make Jacksonville’s regular season roster and spent the year out of football. However, Jacksonville signed the safety to a future/reserve deal at the end of the 2012 season. Banjo couldn’t even make it to 2013’s training camp, as the Jaguars parted ways with the undrafted free agent on July 25, 2013.
Banjo signed on with the Green Bay Packers following his release. Originally signed for depth, Banjo made the regular season roster and appeared in 16 games for the 2013 Packers. During his time on defense, Banjo recorded 19 tackles and two passes defended while earning one start. Banjo stayed with the Packers until 2016 when the safety went on the injured reserve. After reaching an injury settlement with the Packers, Green Bay released Banjo.
Two weeks after his initial release, Banjo landed with the New Orleans Saints. Banjo appeared in seven games as a member of the Saints but never recorded a snap on defense. Throughout the course of his career, Banjo has recorded 41 tackles, two quarterback hits, seven passes defended, and two interceptions.
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