Saints Veteran Center Will Clapp Retires After Injury

Clapp's departure leaves a void in the Saints' offensive line ahead of the new season.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 1:56am

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Will Clapp, the veteran center for the New Orleans Saints, has announced his retirement following a severe Lisfranc foot injury sustained during the 2025 preseason. The 30-year-old LSU alumnus's decision leaves the Saints facing a significant challenge in filling the void at the center position just ahead of the new season.

Why it matters

Clapp's retirement highlights concerns around offensive line stability as the team prepares to move forward without his leadership and experience. The Saints must now navigate free agency and the upcoming draft to find a replacement who can maintain continuity along the offensive front, critical to the team's offensive success.

The details

Throughout his NFL career, Clapp appeared in 66 regular-season games with 22 starts, logging 2,555 offensive snaps. His experience and dependable presence on the field will be difficult to replace, especially given his critical role within the team's offensive line. The Lisfranc injury he suffered in a preseason game against the Chargers required surgery, forcing a tough choice between prolonged rehabilitation and stepping away while still in good health.

  • Clapp suffered a severe Lisfranc foot injury during the 2025 preseason.
  • Clapp announced his retirement on February 27, 2026.

The players

Will Clapp

A 30-year-old veteran center who played for the New Orleans Saints. He was a two-time First-team All-SEC selection at LSU and was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

New Orleans Saints

The professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana, that competes in the National Football League (NFL).

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What they’re saying

“From the first to the last and all the ones in between, thank you for being my rock! Grateful for an amazing career and excited for our next chapter!”

— Will Clapp (Social media)

What’s next

The Saints' management is evaluating multiple routes, from targeting seasoned veterans available during free agency to investing in younger players through the draft process. The goal is to maintain continuity along the offensive front, critical to the team's offensive success.

The takeaway

Clapp's retirement carries personal significance, intertwined closely with the support he received from his wife, Lizzie Cousins. His influence on the Saints runs deeper than statistics, reflecting the commitment and perseverance he brought every game. As the team moves into a new chapter, Clapp's legacy remains a valued part of the organization's history.