In a significant roster move, the Washington Commanders have traded defensive tackle John Ridgeway III. Ridgeway, along with a 2025 seventh-round pick, is heading to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick, as the team revealed moments before a scheduled press conference with General Manager Adam Peters.
Originally selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Arkansas, Ridgeway faced a tumultuous rookie season. He was waived by the Cowboys after the season opener but was promptly picked up off waivers by Washington. Despite the rocky start, Ridgeway managed to make a mark during his time with the Commanders.
In his debut season with Washington, Ridgeway played in 15 games, starting four. He accumulated 24 combined tackles and one forced fumble, demonstrating his potential as a disruptive force on the defensive line. His performance showed significant improvement in the 2023 season, where he recorded 31 tackles and started in two out of 17 games.
One of Ridgeway’s standout moments came during a preseason game against the New England Patriots, where he tallied three tackles and two tackles for loss. This strong showing solidified his role on the Commanders' defensive front. Despite his efforts, the Commanders' initial 53-man lineup included five defensive tackles, and the front office decided to trade Ridgeway to gain a slightly better draft position by moving up from a seventh-round to a sixth-round pick in 2025.
General Manager Adam Peters offered insight into the decision, stating, "Ridgeway will play in a scheme that fits him more, and will find more playing time." This move to the Saints could provide Ridgeway with the fresh start he needs to fully harness his potential and translate his preseason performance into regular-season success. The Saints, known for their robust defensive schemes, will hope Ridgeway’s capabilities can enhance their defensive line further.
At the same time, the Commanders are actively refining their roster, aiming to strike a balance between seasoned experience and emerging talent as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. The Commanders did not make any claims during the first waiver round this offseason and lost two potential practice squad targets: cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields and defensive end K.J. Henry.
Washington's tactical adjustments reflect their strategy to reassert their presence in the league. While the trade of John Ridgeway III stands out as a noteworthy change, it is part of a broader effort by the Commanders' management to build a cohesive and competitive team.
As Ridgeway embarks on this new chapter with the Saints, his journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The Saints' defensive unit will undoubtedly benefit from his talent and drive, and it remains to be seen how effectively Ridgeway can carve out a niche for himself in New Orleans.
For the Commanders, this reconfiguration is a step towards fortifying their roster. The shift in draft picks, though seemingly minor, reflects a broader strategy of incremental improvement. Washington’s goal is clear: to reinforce their team with a blend of experienced and emerging players capable of making a significant impact on the field.
As the NFL season approaches, both teams will be looking to gauge the effectiveness of their respective strategies. Ridgeway’s performance in New Orleans and the Commanders' ongoing adjustments will be pivotal storylines to follow, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the forthcoming games.