In a significant roster move, the Washington Commanders have traded defensive tackle John Ridgeway III to the New Orleans Saints. The deal, which also involves a 2025 seventh-round pick from Washington, sees the Commanders receiving a 2025 sixth-round pick in return.
The announcement came just moments before a scheduled press conference with Commanders general manager Adam Peters, catching many by surprise. Peters commented on the trade, saying, "Ridgeway will play in a scheme that fits him more, and will find more playing time."
John Ridgeway's Journey
John Ridgeway III, a former fifth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Arkansas, has had a tumultuous start to his NFL career. He was waived after the 2022 season opener and subsequently picked up by Washington off waivers. In his first season with the Commanders, Ridgeway played in 15 games, starting in four, and accumulated 24 combined tackles along with one forced fumble.
In the following 2023 season, Ridgeway displayed consistent improvement, recording 31 tackles and making two starts over 17 games. His preseason performance was particularly noteworthy; in a game against the New England Patriots, Ridgeway registered three tackles and two tackles for loss, showing his potential as a disruptive force on the defensive line.
Despite his promising skills, the Commanders' initial 53-man lineup includes five defensive tackles, indicating a depth that arguably made Ridgeway expendable. The decision aligns with Washington's strategy this offseason, where the team decided not to make any claims during the first waiver round.
Commanders' Roster Moves
Washington's management is actively making adjustments to refine and reinforce their team. The Commanders are striving for a balance of seasoned experience and emerging talent as they aim to reassert their presence in the upcoming NFL season. By trading Ridgeway and a seventh-round pick for a slightly better draft position in 2025, Washington gains some flexibility, reinforcing their strategy for long-term planning.
However, the Commanders faced setbacks as well. They lost two potential practice squad targets, cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields and defensive end K.J. Henry, which could pose challenges as they continue to build depth in their squad.
A Fresh Start for Ridgeway
For John Ridgeway III, the move to New Orleans presents a fresh start and an opportunity to play in a scheme more suited to his abilities. The Saints, who have been closely watching Ridgeway's performance, will hope his preseason success translates into regular season impact. With his physical style of play and ability to make tackles for loss, Ridgeway has the potential to become a key contributor to the Saints' defensive lineup.
As Ridgeway transitions to his new team, all eyes will be on whether he can leverage his preseason momentum to deliver consistently throughout the regular season. His performance will be closely monitored by both the Saints' coaching staff and the Commanders' front office, eager to see how the trade unfolds in real-time play.
Washington's general manager, Adam Peters, expressed optimism about Ridgeway's fit with the Saints, suggesting that the young defensive tackle will benefit from increased playing time and a more tailored defensive scheme. "Ridgeway will play in a scheme that fits him more," Peters said, highlighting the strategic considerations behind the trade.
In conclusion, this trade reflects the evolving strategies of both the Washington Commanders and the New Orleans Saints as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming NFL season. While the Commanders refine their roster and draft strategies, the Saints are banking on Ridgeway's potential to bolster their defensive strength. The NFL community will be watching closely to see how these moves impact the teams' performances on the field.