New Orleans Saints 2020 first-round pick Cesar Ruiz is officially entering a contract year.
That's because the team has opted to decline the 5th-year option built into Ruiz's contract, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. All first-round pick contracts have a 5th-year option built in.
The news means that Ruiz's deal is capped at 4 years, $12.6 million and it will make him an unrestricted free agent heading into the 2024 season is the Saints don't agree to an extension with the former No. 24 selection.
Ruiz's first two seasons in the NFL were a struggle, made more difficult by the COVID pandemic that abbreviated offseason programs significantly over those two years, during which he was also changing from his natural position of center to guard alongside entrenched center Erik McCoy. He's also been asked to play the center position for stretches in each of the past two seasons with McCoy going down with injuries.
Ruiz appeared to turn a corner in his third season, but it ended early due to a Lisfranc injury late in a Week 16 victory over the Falcons. The injury required surgery, though he is expected to be ready in time for the start of training camp.
Mickey Loomis said prior to the draft that the team had made the decision on Ruiz's, though they were withholding that information until closer to the deadline. While it does move forward the timeline on the decision on Ruiz's future, it doesn't necessarily mean the team is out on him as its future right guard. The 5th year option for Ruiz would've cost more than $14 million for the 2024 season, a steep figure that is driven by the most recent CBA and Ruiz's significant playtime over his first three seasons. If the team does intend to sign him to an extension, it's likely they can do so at an average annual value that is easier to fit into the team's cap table going forward.
The Saints did opt to exercise the 5th year option on 2018 first-round pick Marcus Davenport, who played on that option during the 2022 season. He departed in free agency to the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. The Saints did not have a first-round pick in 2019.
The deadline to exercise or decline rookie options was May 1. Ruiz is far from alone in having his rookie option declined, with Commanders DE Chase Young, 49ers DT Javon Kinlaw, Chargers LB Kenneth Murray and Jaguars OLB K'Lavon Chaisson also among that number.
