The New Orleans Saints kept busy on Wednesday with a pair of additions, one through waivers and the other through a trade with the Washington Commanders.
The Saints are brining in third-year defensive tackle John Ridgeway, according to Ian Rapaport of the NFL Network. The trade will involve an exchange of late-round picks in 2025. The Saints will send their 6th round pick to Washington and receive the Commanders' 7th rounder in return.
Defensive tackle has suddenly become an interesting position for the Saints, with five players kept at the position on their initial roster. That group included Nathan Shepherd, Bryan Bresee, Khalen Saunders, rookie Khristian Boyd and Kendal Vickers. Saunders is dealing with a calf injury and could miss some time. the Saints terminated the contract of Vickers in a corresponding move.
Ridgeway was originally a 5th round pick of the Cowboys in 2022 but was waived prior to the season before latching on with the Commanders. He's appeared in 32 games and has logged 55 total tackles. Ridgeway was in attendance at the Senior Bowl in 2022, which is likely where the Saints got a good look at him. They have not faced Ridgeway in a game during his NFL career.
The Saints will have to make one more corresponding moves to make space after also adding a new return ace in the form of ex-Vikings RB Kene Nwangwu earlier in the day.
It's fair to the say the Saints are likely not done making moves, particularly with just eight offensive lineman currently on the active roster. The Saints did add a handful of players, including Kyle Hergel, Shane Lemieux and rookie Joisah Ezirim to the practice squad earlier in the day.
