Saints Face Cap Conundrum: Cesar Ruiz Trade Consideration Emerges
The New Orleans Saints are currently navigating a tumultuous season, marked by a disappointing record of 1-7. With the playoffs seemingly slipping from their grasp, the focus has shifted to restructuring for the future. As they prepare for the upcoming trade deadline, one name has surfaced as a potential trade candidate: offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz.
Current Season Struggles
The Saints find themselves in dire straits, with their playoff hopes hinging on an improbable nine-game winning streak. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading the NFC South at 6-2, stand as a formidable obstacle. For the Saints to even contemplate a Wild Card spot, they must secure victories in at least eight of their remaining nine games—a monumental task that seems increasingly unlikely.
Despite the grim outlook, the Saints’ front office is tasked with weighing the future against current performance. Key veterans like Cam Jordan and Alvin Kamara are likely to remain in New Orleans, and trading an emerging talent like Chris Olave would be a shocking move. Instead, the organization might look to offload players who can help alleviate looming salary cap issues while still providing some flexibility in the lineup.
Cesar Ruiz: A Logical Trade Candidate
Cesar Ruiz, a former first-round pick, has emerged as a candidate for trade discussions. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently indicated that Ruiz “might be available at the right price,” highlighting the possibility of a move that could benefit both the player and the franchise. At just 26 years old, Ruiz possesses significant upside, but the Saints are already grappling with depth concerns following the loss of starting center Erik McCoy earlier in the season.
Currently, the offensive line includes promising players such as Kelvin Banks Jr., Trevor Penning, Luke Fortner, and Taliese Fuaga, with Dillon Radunz serving as a backup. While trading Ruiz could create a ripple effect on the offensive line, Radunz is positioned to step in and provide quality support if called upon.
Financial Implications of a Trade
Ruiz’s four-year, $44 million contract includes a potential out before the cap hit escalates from just over $5.8 million to more than $14 million next offseason. With Over The Cap projecting the Saints to be $14 million over the salary cap by 2026, trading Ruiz could offer some much-needed financial relief. Although it wouldn’t entirely resolve the cap crisis, it would create additional breathing room for the organization.
The decision to part ways with a talented lineman like Ruiz is far from straightforward. However, the potential return on a trade could yield valuable assets for New Orleans, helping to pave the way for a more sustainable future. As the trade deadline approaches, the Saints will need to carefully evaluate their options and make strategic choices that balance immediate needs with long-term planning.
