New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz is now heading into a contract year with the 2023 season.
According to an NFL Network report, the Saints have decided to not pick up Ruiz’s fifth-year option.
Ruiz has mainly spent time at right guard for the Saints. He started 46 consecutive games at the position from 2020 through Week 15 of 2022, which was the club’s longest streak at the time. He was also put at center last year before being placed on injured reserve in December for the first time at the pro level.
The 6-foot-4, 316-pounder was drafted to New Orleans out of Michigan with the No. 24 overall pick in the first round of 2020. Ruiz has played in all but four games since joining the Saints, also starting in 40 of his 46 appearances. He took 100% of the offensive snaps in games he was active the past two seasons. As a rookie, he took 74%.
Throughout his career, Ruiz has had two holding and two false start penalties called on him.
The Saints just brought in Old Dominion offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri last Saturday with a fourth-round draft pick. He was primarily a right tackle in college but had a shot at guard, too.
Leave a Reply