John Ridgeway

Career StatsD-

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		49	—	81	6.5
2025		4	0.0	11	1.5
2024		13	0.0	15	3.5
2023		17	0.0

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Saints secured solid value by locking up John Ridgeway at $2.9M AAV, earning a B- CVI that reflects smart roster building at a crucial position. While Ridgeway profiles as a depth piece rather than a difference-maker, defensive tackle is expensive across the league, and getting a reliable 26-year-old interior defender at this price point represents shrewd cap management. His age works in New Orleans' favor — entering his prime years without the wear-and-tear of a decade-long career, Ridgeway should maintain his current production level throughout this two-year deal. The contract structure limits downside risk with just $1.6M guaranteed, giving the Saints flexibility while ensuring they have competent depth behind their starters. This move exemplifies how smart teams fill out their roster: finding capable veterans at market-appropriate salaries rather than overpaying for names, allowing them to allocate bigger money to impact players at premium positions.

Performance Analysis

John Ridgeway earns a D- grade as a rotational nose tackle for the Saints. He's a massive presence in the middle of New Orleans' defensive line, built to eat space and clog running lanes. The problem is that modern NFL defenses need even their interior linemen to offer something as pass rushers, and Ridgeway hasn't shown that dimension consistently. He's a useful run-down specialist who gets subbed out in obvious passing situations, which caps his overall value and snap count. The Saints have bigger fish to fry on their roster, and Ridgeway fills a role without excelling in it.

Fan Sentiment

Re-signing Ridgeway represents a solid depth move for New Orleans' defensive line, bringing back a familiar rotational contributor at a reasonable $3.1M annual cost. The headlines emphasize continuity rather than excitement, suggesting the Saints view him as a reliable backup/rotation piece rather than a cornerstone player. This is prudent roster maintenance for a mid-tier defensive tackle, but hardly a move that moves the needle for a franchise looking to compete in a tough NFC South.