David Banks-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
While many eyes have been on the New Orleans Saints’ wide receiver room as the Nov. 4 trade deadline approaches, there are other names that have consistently popped up in rumors. Linebacker Pete Werner, cornerback Alontae Taylor and defensive end Carl Granderson have been chief among them, however, a new name has entered the conversation from the Saints’ offense line.
Per ESPN”s Jeremy Fowler, offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz could potentially be moved at the right price. At least, that’s what teams not named the New Orleans Saints appear to believe.
“Teams I’ve spoken to are under the impression that guard Cesar Ruiz might be available at the right price,” Fowler wrote in his latest trade deadline buzz update.
Of course, any player could be moved “at the right price” save a small number on the Saints’ roster. But the ability to make a move on the offensive line is interesting.
New Orleans is in a unique situation on the offensive line. Though the unit hasn’t been as stout as the team might have hoped going into the season, the roster does have some solid pieces. From tackles Taliese Fuaga and Kelvin Banks Jr. bookending the team for the foreseeable future to promising depth pieces like rookie Torricelli Simpkins III and veteran Dillon Radunz.
If the Saints could indeed get a good enough offer that convinces them to move the 2020 first-round pick, they could then turn to Radunz to start at right guard. The 2021 second-round pick started 15 games at right guard for the Tennessee Titans just last year.
The biggest hindrance of a move like this would be the contractual details. Ruiz’s deal was restructured ahead of the 2025 season during the Saints’ annual scurry to get under the salary cap.
The Saints restructured the contracts of Cesar Ruiz and Carl Granderson
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) March 11, 2025
That move piled up more dead money were he to be traded. But now that the NFL calendar is beyond the June 1 cutoff, most of the salary cap detriment would be deferred to next season with south of $5 million in dead money being accounted for this year.. Ruiz still has three years remaining on his four-year extension, but very little guaranteed money left.
New Orleans is in position personnel-wise to make a dramatic move like this. But financially, it would take some finagling. Not that the Saints aren’t accustomed to that kind of monetary maneuvering.
More New Orleans Saints
