Packers Eye Saints Guard Cesar Ruiz in Trade
The Athletic's Daniel Popper says Green Bay is a strong trade fit for New Orleans right guard Cesar Ruiz as the Packers search for stability on the right side.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football
Daniel Popper of The Athletic identified the Green Bay Packers as a strong trade fit for New Orleans Saints right guard Cesar Ruiz. The Packers started their third different option at right guard in Week 8.
Why it matters
Green Bay has a significant hole at right guard after a series of injuries and lineup changes, making the position a clear area of need. Ruiz, a former first-round pick with 89 career starts, has spent most of his NFL career at the position.
Ruiz has played 5,550 of his 5,942 career snaps at right guard, with 378 at center and 14 at right tackle. His four-year, $44 million extension signed in 2023 carries no guaranteed money after this season, and the trade market for him remains unconfirmed.
The players
Daniel Popper
Daniel Popper is an NFL reporter for The Athletic who covers the Green Bay Packers and the league's roster and trade landscape.
Cesar Ruiz
Cesar Ruiz is a New Orleans Saints right guard and former first-round pick who was selected 21st overall in 2020 out of Michigan.
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are a professional football franchise in the NFL based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and one of the league's oldest teams.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional football franchise in the NFL based in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The details
The Packers moved left guard Laken Tomlinson to the right side after Travis Glover got hurt and Aaron Banks returned to the lineup. Green Bay had started Jacob Monk at right guard for the first three weeks before he was injured.
Timeline
2020: The Saints selected Ruiz 21st overall in the first round.
2023: Ruiz signed a four-year, $44 million extension with New Orleans.
Week 2: Zach Bako-Bewele was injured, shifting Anthony Belton to right tackle.
Week 7: Ruiz missed the Saints' loss to the Steelers with a concussion.
Week 8: The Packers started their third different option at right guard.
Season Trajectory
Ruiz was selected 21st overall in the 2020 NFL Draft as a first-round pick by the Saints, and his path since has been defined by steady starts at right guard. Green Bay's search for a starter at that spot reflects how quickly depth along the offensive line can erode during a season.
A Ruiz trade would directly change who starts at right guard for Green Bay and could shift the Packers' offensive line depth chart for fantasy and betting purposes. For Saints followers, Ruiz's $44 million contract carrying no guaranteed money after the season means the team has flexibility to move him.
The takeaway
Teams battling injuries on the offensive line often turn to trades for interior depth, and Ruiz's experience at right guard makes him a logical target. Readers tracking the Packers should watch how Green Bay resolves the position before the season's second half.
Further reading
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