Canal Street Chronicles
New Orleans has bolstered the interior defensive line’s depth amid injuries at the position.
The New Orleans Saints have sent a 2025 6th-round pick to the Washington Commanders in exchange for DT John Ridgeway III and a 2025 7th-round pick.
Washington underwent a complete change in leadership after hiring former San Francisco 49ers Vice President of Player Personnel, Adam Peters, as the team’s new GM, along with former Dallas Cowboys DC, Dan Quinn, as the new HC.
Ridgeway was originally a fifth-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2022 NFL Draft before being waived early in the season and being claimed by the NFC East rival Washington Commanders. The DT spent two seasons under previous Commanders HC Ron Rivera, recording 55 tackles and 1 forced fumble in 32 games (6 starts). During those two seasons, he also totaled 30 run stops on 346 run defense snaps and 12 pressures on 288 pass rush snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
Ultimately, the Commanders’ new regime believed it would be best if the two sides parted ways, giving the 25-year-old a chance for a fresh start. GM Adam Peters noted that there was significant interest in Ridgeway across the trade market and felt it’d be a good opportunity for him to see the field more elsewhere, mentioning scheme as a particular factor in Washington’s decision to move on. Peters also added that Ridgeway put together some of his best tape this past Sunday in the preseason finale, as the Saints evidently liked what they saw in the 6’5”–321lbs defensive lineman.
As a rotational player, Ridgeway should help fill the void for the Saints while DT Khalen “Bink” Saunders is expected to miss a couple of weeks with a calf injury. New Orleans has not yet decided whether to use their last available designated return IR spot on Saunders, given that Dallin Holker (ankle) and Nick Saldiveri (calf) are also recovering from their respective injuries. Holker mentioned on Wednesday afternoon that he is feeling much better, and Saints HC Dennis Allen expects Saldiveri to be back with the team sooner rather than later.
Using the IR spot on Saunders could provide some roster flexibility by allowing the team to call up someone from the practice squad. After initially being included on the 53-man roster, New Orleans moved DT Kendal Vickers to the practice squad to make room for newly claimed RB Kene Nwangwu, who was recently waived by the Minnesota Vikings after three seasons with the team. However, Saunders is a key part of the interior defensive line unit, so if he’s healthy, having him in the mix is ideal. In the meantime, Dennis Allen and Saints DL coach Todd Grantham will aim to maximize the potential of Ridgeway amid Saunders absence.
