While the likes of Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave appear to be sticking in New Orleans, it sounds like wideouts Rashid Shaheed and Brandin Cooks could be had in a trade. We can now add another Saints offensive player to the list of trade targets.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, rival teams are “under the impression” that offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz could be available for “the right price.” Fowler notes that “change feels inevitable” this upcoming offseason in New Orleans, and the front office may look to get a jump start by dealing veterans.
Ruiz has spent his entire career with the Saints, as the lineman was selected by the organization in the first round of the 2020 draft. After bouncing in and out of the starting lineup as a rookie and alternating between positions as a sophomore, Ruiz has settled in as the team’s starting right guard in recent years. He’s started all 37 of his appearances for the organization since 2021, and he’s gotten into at least 90 percent of his team’s offensive snaps in those contests.
Pro Football Focus has never been particularly fond of the player’s performance, as the site has generally ranked him in the bottom half of his position. He had his best showing in 2024, when PFF ranked him 25th among 77 qualifying guards. He’s back down to 56th in 2025, although the site has given him credit for his pass-blocking ability.
Ruiz still has two years remaining on the four-year, $44MM extension he signed with the organization back in 2023. While he has an out in his contract following the current campaign, the $16.8MM in dead money means he’s not a realistic rental. The Saints would presumably consider this in any trade talks, so teams may not be able to snag him for a late-round pick.