In a noteworthy move, the Washington Commanders have decided to trade defensive tackle John Ridgeway III to the New Orleans Saints. This transaction also involves a 2025 seventh-round pick from Washington in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick from New Orleans.
The announcement of this trade occurred just before a scheduled press conference with Commanders’ general manager Adam Peters. Peters commented, "Ridgeway will play in a scheme that fits him more, and will find more playing time," indicating optimism for Ridgeway’s future with the Saints.
The Journey of John Ridgeway III
John Ridgeway III has had a remarkable journey in the NFL since being selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Arkansas. Despite his promising entry, Ridgeway was waived after the season opener in 2022, only to be picked up by Washington off waivers. His time with the Commanders had its moments, but it was the right time for both parties to move on.
During the 2022 season, Ridgeway played in 15 games, starting in four. He accumulated 24 combined tackles and registered one forced fumble. The following season saw improvement with Ridgeway recording 31 tackles and two starts out of 17 games. Notably, during a preseason game against the New England Patriots, Ridgeway stood out with three tackles and two tackles for loss.
Commanders' Roster Adjustments
Washington’s decision to trade Ridgeway comes amid broader roster adjustments as they aim to refine and reinforce their team. The Commanders' initial 53-man lineup includes five defensive tackles, suggesting a surplus in this position. Additionally, the Commanders decided not to make any claims during the first waiver round this offseason. However, they lost two potential practice squad targets, cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields and defensive end K.J. Henry.
By trading Ridgeway, the Commanders gain a slightly better draft position, upgrading from a seventh-round pick to a sixth-round pick in 2025. This move reflects Washington's strategy of balancing seasoned experience with emerging talent, as they strive to reassert their presence in the upcoming NFL season.
Ridgeway’s Fresh Start in New Orleans
For Ridgeway, this trade represents a fresh start. The Saints hope that his preseason performance will translate into regular season success. His time with the Commanders has laid a solid foundation, and now he has the opportunity to build on that in a new environment. The quote from Peters underscores this potential: "Ridgeway will play in a scheme that fits him more, and will find more playing time."
Ridgeway's performance in New Orleans will be closely watched, and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to his new team. His ability to contribute effectively on the field could be a key factor for the Saints as they navigate the challenges of the season.
In conclusion, the trade of John Ridgeway III to the New Orleans Saints marks a significant move for both teams. The Commanders continue to fine-tune their roster in preparation for the upcoming season, while the Saints gain a player who has shown promise and potential. Ridgeway's journey is a testament to the ever-changing nature of the NFL, where talent and opportunity converge in unexpected ways.