In a significant roster move, the Washington Commanders have decided to trade defensive tackle John Ridgeway III to the New Orleans Saints. The Commanders will send Ridgeway along with a 2025 seventh-round pick, receiving a 2025 sixth-round pick in return. This decision was revealed just moments before a scheduled press conference with Commanders general manager Adam Peters.
A Brief History of Ridgeway
John Ridgeway III originally entered the NFL landscape when he was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, coming out of Arkansas. However, his initial season did not go as planned. Ridgeway was waived following the season opener by the Cowboys, leading the Washington Commanders to pick him off waivers.
During the 2022 season, Ridgeway managed to play in 15 games for Washington, starting in four of them. He accumulated 24 combined tackles and forced one fumble, solidifying his presence on the defensive line. Moving into the 2023 season, Ridgeway took the field in 17 games, starting in two, and recorded 31 tackles.
Ridgeway's preseason performance against the New England Patriots was notable. He recorded three tackles and two tackles for loss, demonstrating his potential value on the field.
Commanders' Defensive Line Strategy
The Commanders initially set their 53-man lineup with five defensive tackles. Interestingly, they decided not to make any claims during the first waiver round this offseason. Moreover, the Commanders lost two potential practice squad targets—cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields and defensive end K.J. Henry.
General Manager Adam Peters commented on the trade, stating, "Ridgeway will play in a scheme that fits him more, and will find more playing time." This trade could be seen as a strategic move by Washington to gain a better draft position while also providing Ridgeway a fresh start in a new environment.
A Fresh Start with the Saints
For Ridgeway, moving to New Orleans marks a new chapter in his career. The Saints are hoping that Ridgeway's preseason performance can translate into regular season success. The team views his addition as a potential boost to their defensive line, anticipating that his skills will align well with their defensive schemes.
Long-term Implications
For the Commanders, trading Ridgeway means more than just shuffling personnel. This trade is a part of their broader strategy to refine and reinforce their roster as they aim to reassert their presence in the upcoming NFL season. By exchanging a seventh-round pick for a sixth-rounder in 2025, the Commanders gain a slightly better draft position, which could prove beneficial in the long run.
Washington is striving to maintain a balance between seasoned experience and emerging talent. The trade signifies their ongoing efforts to build a more robust and competitive team. The performance of the new and existing players will be closely monitored as the season progresses.
Conclusion
As John Ridgeway III heads to New Orleans, all eyes will be on how he integrates into the Saints' defense and how effectively he performs. For the Commanders, this move reflects their strategy of continual roster adjustment and improvement. Both teams will be hoping that this trade brings fruitful results as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season.