In a significant roster move that has sent ripples through the NFL, the Washington Commanders have agreed to trade defensive tackle John Ridgeway III to the New Orleans Saints. The deal involves Ridgeway and a 2025 seventh-round pick heading to New Orleans in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick, representing a strategic maneuver for both franchises.
John Ridgeway III, originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Arkansas, now finds himself preparing for his third NFL team in as many seasons. After being waived following the 2022 season opener, Ridgeway was picked up by Washington off waivers. Despite the rocky start, he managed to make a significant impact on the field. In his rookie season with the Commanders, Ridgeway played in 15 games, starting in four, and recorded 24 combined tackles along with one forced fumble.
His sophomore season saw further development. Over 17 games, Ridgeway made two starts and increased his tackle count to 31. His performance in the preseason, particularly against the New England Patriots where he tallied three tackles and two tackles for loss, suggested he was poised for a breakout year. Yet, despite his progress, the Commanders' initial 53-man roster for the upcoming season included five defensive tackles, creating a crowded defensive line and leading to Washington’s decision to trade Ridgeway.
This trade announcement came just moments before a scheduled press conference with Commanders General Manager Adam Peters, who commented on the move. "Ridgeway will play in a scheme that fits him more, and will find more playing time," Peters explained. This implies that the Saints' defensive strategies may better align with Ridgeway’s skills and playing style, offering him not just more opportunities but perhaps greater success on the field.
For Washington, the trade makes sense on multiple fronts. Firstly, it allows them to slightly enhance their draft position by swapping a seventh-round pick for a sixth-rounder in 2025. More importantly, it signifies the Commanders' ongoing efforts to adjust their roster, balancing experienced veterans with emerging talent to reinforce their team. The Commanders didn't make any claims during the first waiver round this offseason, a move indicative of their calculated strategy.
Additionally, the Commanders faced the disappointment of losing two potential practice squad targets—cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields and defensive end K.J. Henry. This underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of roster management in the NFL, where every decision can have far-reaching implications for the team's future.
Meanwhile, the Saints are eager for Ridgeway’s preseason performance to translate into regular season success. Following a year where the Saints’ defense showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency, adding a player of Ridgeway’s caliber and potential could provide the boost they need. The move to New Orleans represents a fresh start for Ridgeway, an opportunity to carve out a larger role within a defense that could maximize his abilities.
Ridgeway’s arrival in New Orleans will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as both his growth and the Saints' defensive performance will be under scrutiny. For Washington, their active roster adjustments reflect their ambition to reassert their presence in the NFL, striving for a blend of seasoned experience and youthful exuberance.
This trade, steeped in strategic considerations and future potential, exemplifies the intricate balancing act that NFL teams must navigate to stay competitive. As the Commanders and Saints gear up for the forthcoming season, the ripple effects of this trade will unfold, with Ridgeway at the heart of an intriguing new chapter in his NFL journey.