In a significant roster move, the Washington Commanders have traded defensive tackle John Ridgeway III to the New Orleans Saints. The Commanders sent Ridgeway and a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Saints in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This trade decision was revealed just moments before a scheduled press conference with Commanders General Manager Adam Peters.
Ridgeway's NFL Journey
John Ridgeway III was originally selected 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. Washington seized the opportunity to pick Ridgeway off waivers, and he subsequently played in 15 games for the Commanders during the 2022 season, starting in four of those contests. During that season, Ridgeway accumulated 24 combined tackles and one forced fumble, showing his tenacity on the defensive line.
His performance continued to improve in the 2023 season. Ridgeway recorded 31 tackles and made two starts out of 17 games. Particularly noteworthy was his preseason showing against the New England Patriots, where he recorded three tackles and two tackles for loss, demonstrating his potential to be a disruptive force on the field.
Impact of the Trade
The trade decision comes at a crucial time as the Commanders continue to refine and reinforce their team. With the initial 53-man lineup already including five defensive tackles, the decision to trade Ridgeway seems to be part of a broader strategy to strike a balance between seasoned experience and emerging talent. Furthermore, Washington gains a slightly better draft position by exchanging a seventh-round pick for a sixth-rounder in 2025.
General Manager Adam Peters noted, "Ridgeway will play in a scheme that fits him more, and will find more playing time." This indicates that the move to New Orleans isn't just beneficial for the Commanders’ roster strategy but also a positive development for Ridgeway’s career.
Washington's Roster Adjustments
The Commanders have been actively making roster adjustments and decided not to make any claims during the first waiver round this offseason. However, they did lose two potential practice squad targets: cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields and defensive end K.J. Henry. These changes underscore the Commanders' commitment to reasserting their presence in the upcoming NFL season. They are striving to create a balanced team dynamic that leverages both experienced veterans and promising newcomers.
A New Opportunity for Ridgeway
John Ridgeway III's move to the New Orleans Saints presents a fresh start for the defensive tackle. The Saints are hopeful that Ridgeway’s preseason performance can translate into regular season success. With Ridgeway now playing in a scheme that better fits his skills, there are high expectations for his future contributions to the team.
Washington’s decision to trade Ridgeway reflects a strategic choice, aimed at both optimizing their current roster and securing a stronger draft position for the future. As the Commanders continue to make calculated moves, fans and analysts alike will be closely observing Ridgeway's performance in New Orleans, evaluating whether this trade will ultimately benefit all parties involved.