In a significant roster shake-up, the Washington Commanders have traded defensive tackle John Ridgeway III to the New Orleans Saints. This move was made just moments before a scheduled press conference with Commanders General Manager Adam Peters.
As part of the trade details, the Commanders are sending Ridgeway along with a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Saints in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This exchange, albeit minor in terms of draft round adjustment, allows Washington to incrementally improve their draft position.
John Ridgeway III, a notable figure in this deal, was initially drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Arkansas. However, his tenure with the Cowboys was short-lived as he was waived after the 2022 season opener. The Commanders subsequently picked him up off waivers, integrating him into their squad for the remainder of the season.
Ridgeway’s Performance and Potential
During the 2022 NFL season, Ridgeway played in 15 games and started in four. His contributions included 24 combined tackles and a forced fumble. In the 2023 season, he managed to record 31 tackles and started in two out of 17 games. His preseason performance against the New England Patriots, where he recorded three tackles and two tackles for loss, highlighted his potential and ability to contribute significantly on the field.
Despite these performances, the Commanders decided to part ways with Ridgeway, possibly due to the depth of their defensive tackle lineup. Their initial 53-man roster features five defensive tackles, giving them a solid core to work with. The decision not to make any claims during the first waiver round this offseason also indicates a strategic approach by Washington's front office in refining and honing their team composition.
Adam Peters shed light on the rationale behind this trade, saying, "Ridgeway will play in a scheme that fits him more, and will find more playing time." This move signals a fresh start for Ridgeway, offering him the opportunity to integrate into the Saints' defensive structure, which may align more closely with his style of play.
The Commanders’ Roster Strategy
While the decision to trade Ridgeway might come as a surprise to some, it fits into a broader strategic pattern for the Commanders. Washington aims to balance seasoned experience with emerging talent, thus creating a robust squad capable of reasserting its presence in the upcoming NFL season. The slight improvement in draft position by acquiring a sixth-rounder for a seventh-round pick in 2025 also fits this narrative, illustrating their commitment to long-term team building.
However, the Commanders' offseason has had its setbacks. They lost potential practice squad targets, cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields and defensive end K.J. Henry, which could impact their depth and developmental prospects in these positions.
Expectations for Ridgeway in New Orleans
For John Ridgeway III, the move to New Orleans is not just a change of scenery but an opportunity to establish himself and leverage his preseason momentum into regular-season success. The Saints, hopeful for a strong defensive lineup, will closely monitor Ridgeway’s integration and performance.
Ridgeway’s journey from being waived by the Cowboys to potentially becoming an integral part of the Saints' defense serves as a testament to his resilience and adaptability. His performance in New Orleans will be a storyline to watch as both teams navigate the upcoming season.
Ultimately, this trade reflects the dynamic nature of NFL team strategies, where player trades, draft picks, and roster adjustments are continuously made to achieve the right balance and fortify team strengths. With Adam Peters at the helm, the Commanders are clearly making deliberate moves to refine their squad, striving to compete at the highest level in the fiercely competitive league.
As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be observing how Ridgeway adjusts to his new role with the Saints and how the Commanders’ revamped roster performs on the field, aiming to make a significant impact in the 2023 NFL season and beyond.