Why Re-Signing John Ridgeway III Makes Sense for the Saints in 2026
The New Orleans Saints are heading into a pivotal offseason, and while the headlines will swirl around quarterbacks, splashy receivers, and edge rushers, the real work-where games are often won or lost-starts in the trenches. After a 6-11 campaign that showed glimpses of promise, especially with Tyler Shough flashing late in the year, the Saints face a familiar challenge: navigating the salary cap while retooling a roster that still believes it can compete.
One move that won’t make waves on talk shows but could quietly pay dividends? Bringing back defensive tackle John Ridgeway III.
The Big Body in the Middle
Nicknamed the "Vanilla Gorilla" for good reason, Ridgeway is every bit the space-eater his 6’5”, 321-pound frame suggests. He’s not here to chase quarterbacks or tally gaudy sack totals. His job is simple, and critical: clog lanes, absorb double-teams, and let the linebackers do their thing.
That kind of role doesn’t show up on highlight reels, but it’s foundational-especially for a defense that’s been inconsistent against the run. In 2025, Ridgeway missed time with a pectoral injury, but his midseason return aligned with a noticeable uptick in defensive performance. Down the stretch, he logged key tackles in wins over the Jets and Titans-games where the Saints leaned on their defense to close things out.
He’s not a star, but he’s a tone-setter. And every defense needs at least one of those in the rotation.
Cap-Savvy Depth
Let’s be real: the Saints are staring down a projected $20 million cap deficit for 2026. This isn't the offseason for big-money splurges on interior defensive linemen. That makes Ridgeway’s situation all the more appealing.
Coming off his rookie deal, Ridgeway’s market value remains modest. A two-year "prove-it" contract makes sense for both sides.
He gets a chance to re-establish himself after an injury-shortened season, and the Saints get a known commodity at a bargain price. In today’s NFL, where quality depth along the defensive line can cost a premium, that’s a win.
Special Teams Bonus
Here’s something casual fans might overlook: Ridgeway brings value beyond defense. He’s a legitimate asset on special teams, particularly on the field goal block unit. Back in 2024, he delivered a crucial blocked kick against the Falcons-one of those hidden-yardage plays that can swing a game, or even a season.
In a division as wide open as the NFC South, where the difference between a playoff berth and a long offseason can come down to a single possession, those plays matter. A lot.
Locker Room Continuity
With veterans like Cameron Jordan nearing the end of their careers and the defensive line facing potential turnover, the Saints can’t afford to let all their experience walk out the door. Ridgeway has spent two years in New Orleans. He knows the system, understands the culture, and has shown he can be a dependable rotational piece when healthy.
That kind of continuity is invaluable during a transition period. You don’t rebuild a defense overnight-but you can lay the foundation by keeping the right guys around.
Final Word: Keep the Gorilla in the Building
John Ridgeway III isn’t going to lead the team in sacks or make the Pro Bowl. But that’s not what the Saints need from him. What they do need is a big-bodied, battle-tested, system-savvy defensive tackle who can anchor the run defense, contribute on special teams, and provide stability in a shifting locker room.
In a cap-constrained year, re-signing Ridgeway is the kind of smart, low-risk move that helps build a tougher, more resilient team. He’s a glue guy-and every successful defense has one.
Time to bring the Vanilla Gorilla back to the Bayou.