The Commanders knew they had to make a tough call before the 53-man roster cutdowns. Their attempted trade of defensive lineman John Ridgeway hit a wall. But, instead of throwing in the towel, they held onto him just a little bit longer, and oh, did it pay off!
Commanders’ Smart Move
Picture this: in a classic last-minute hustle, Washington managed to trade Ridgeway. They sweetened the deal by tossing in a seventh-round pick to the New Orleans Saints for a sixth-round pick. A subtle upgrade, sure, but as we say in football, every inch counts! The trade details were confirmed by multiple reports, and you could almost hear the cheers from the Washington front office.
Trading Strategy at its Finest
To the untrained eye, a late-round pick swap might seem like peanuts. But let’s break it down—the Commanders turned a player they intended to part ways with into draft capital. Holding Ridgeway for just one more day turned out to be a stroke of genius! That’s right, folks, sometimes patience isn’t just a virtue; it’s the MVP of roster management.
Ridgeway’s Journey
Let’s not forget the rollercoaster journey of John Ridgeway. Drafted in the fifth round by the Cowboys in 2022, Ridgeway’s time in Dallas was brief. Early in his rookie season, he was waived and quickly claimed by Washington. Talk about a whirlwind! Last season, the tenacious defensive lineman played in all 17 games, contributing to 31 percent of the Commanders’ defensive snaps and hustling on 21 percent of special teams snaps. His hard work and talent certainly didn’t go unnoticed.
New Chapter with the Saints
As Ridgeway heads to the Saints, they’re hoping he brings the same grit and grind to their defensive line. With a roster that’s constantly evolving, his addition could be the depth booster New Orleans needs. Who knows? Maybe Ridgeway’s journey will continue to surprise us all!
What a dynamic week in the NFL, folks! Trades like these remind us why we love this game. It’s not just about the plays on the field but the strategic maneuvers behind the scenes. So tighten your chinstraps and stay tuned—there’s never a dull moment in the world of football!
