In a significant roster move that caught many by surprise, the Washington Commanders have traded defensive tackle John Ridgeway III to the New Orleans Saints. This move, finalized just moments before Commanders' general manager Adam Peters took to the podium for a scheduled press conference, reflects Washington's ongoing efforts to fine-tune their lineup ahead of the upcoming NFL season.
The trade involves Ridgeway and a 2025 seventh-round pick heading to the Saints in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. The Commanders’ decision to part ways with Ridgeway, who was originally selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Arkansas, raises interesting possibilities for both teams.
Ridgeway's Time in Washington
After being waived by Dallas following the 2022 season opener, Ridgeway found a new home in Washington, where he was picked up off waivers. During the 2022 season, he appeared in 15 games and started in four, accumulating 24 combined tackles and one forced fumble. In 2023, his performance included 31 tackles and two starts over 17 games. A standout moment in his preseason came against the New England Patriots, where he recorded three tackles and two tackles for loss.
Despite these contributions, the Commanders' front office evidently saw an opportunity to adjust their lineup. Ridgeway's departure leaves Washington with five defensive tackles on their initial 53-man roster as they prepare for the season. This strategic move could be a reflection of their efforts to balance seasoned experience and emerging talent, aiming to strengthen their competitive edge.
From Washington to New Orleans
For Ridgeway, the move to the New Orleans Saints represents a fresh start in a scheme potentially better suited to his skills. General Manager Adam Peters noted, "Ridgeway will play in a scheme that fits him more, and will find more playing time." The Saints are likely hoping that Ridgeway’s preseason performance will translate into regular-season success, enhancing their defensive lineup.
While the trade might seem like a subtle shift at first glance, it underscores the dynamic nature of NFL roster management. Washington’s decision to trade a seventh-round pick for a sixth-rounder in 2025 signifies a strategic gain, providing them a slightly better draft position and demonstrating a nuanced understanding of long-term team building.
Washington’s Roster Adjustments
The Commanders' decision not to make any claims during the first waiver round this offseason further underscores their satisfaction with their current lineup and the direction in which they are heading. However, they did lose two potential practice squad targets, cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields and defensive end K.J. Henry, who may have provided additional depth and versatility.
Looking ahead, Washington is actively making roster adjustments to reinforce their team, implying a mix of tactical decisions aimed at reasserting their presence in the NFL. The balance between maintaining a solid core of experienced players while integrating young talent appears to be at the forefront of their strategy.
Implications for the Saints
As Ridgeway integrates into the New Orleans defensive setup, his performance will be closely watched. The Saints are no doubt optimistic about the potential impact he can make. Ridgeway's ability to make big plays, as evidenced in the preseason, could become a pivotal component of the Saints’ defensive strategy.
His move to New Orleans isn’t just a fresh start for Ridgeway; it’s also an intriguing element in the broader narrative of the 2023 NFL season. It will be interesting to see how quickly he can adapt and whether he can exceed the expectations placed on him by his new team.
Ultimately, this trade captures the essence of the ever-evolving NFL landscape, where teams continuously seek to adapt, improve, and strategically position themselves for success both in the immediate season and in the years to come. For Ridgeway, the transition to the Saints holds the promise of new opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact in the league.