John Ridgeway III

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

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Saints secured solid value by locking up John Ridgeway III at just $1.1M AAV, earning a B CVI that reflects smart roster building around the margins. While Ridgeway profiles as a depth piece rather than an impact starter, his contract represents the kind of sensible investment teams need to make in rotational defensive linemen who can contribute without breaking the bank. The four-year term provides New Orleans with cost certainty on a player entering his prime years, and the modest $1.6M guaranteed minimizes downside risk if his development stagnates. This deal exemplifies how successful franchises build depth — finding players who can hold their own in limited snaps while maintaining salary cap flexibility for marquee signings. The Saints didn't overpay for upside or get burned chasing potential, instead identifying a reliable contributor at market rate who strengthens their defensive line rotation without hampering future roster construction.

Performance Analysis

John Ridgeway III carries a D- grade in a similar mold to the other Saints defensive tackles — a space-eating interior presence who specializes in run defense. New Orleans has historically valued big bodies up front, and Ridgeway fits that archetype physically. However, the limited pass-rush production keeps him firmly in the rotation rather than earning a starting role. His grade reflects a player who does one thing reasonably well but doesn't offer the versatility that would push him into a more prominent role. For a team rebuilding its defensive identity, Ridgeway is a complementary piece rather than a building block.