Feb. 25, 2026, 9:55 p.m. CT
Congratulations are in order for Will Clapp. The former New Orleans Saints seventh-round draft pick and LSU Tigers product has decided to retire from his playing career. Clapp ultimately started 22 of the 66 games he appeared in with the Saints, Los Angeles Chargers, and Buffalo Bills, and he’s done really well for himself as someone who entered the pros with such long odds. There aren’t many guys picked in the 240’s who have have managed to hang around as long as he has. Good on him for going out on his own terms.
“From the first to the last and all the ones in between thank you for being my rock!” Clapp wrote in a post to his official Instagram account, featuring photos with his wife and children from throughout his time in high school, college, and the NFL. “Grateful for an amazing career and excited for our next chapter!”
Clapp, a New Orleans native who went to high school at Brother Martin, returned to the Saints in 2025 but suffered a season-ending injury in the preseason. Now 30 years old and with a growing family, he’s made the decision to hang up his cleats.
But it may not be the end of the line for Clapp. He could very well remain with the Saints and take Jahri Evans’ vacant position as assistant offensive line coach. Clapp’s coaches have always valued his versatility and intelligence as someone who can start games at center and guard, and those skills could translate to a new role. He also played for Kellen Moore on the Chargers a few years ago before returning as a priority free agent signing last spring. While Clapp’s season did end with an early injury, he stuck around the team and was a visible presence on the sideline and at community events. If he’s interested in coaching, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if the Saints make him an offer.
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