Saints restructure contracts for Cesar Ruiz and Davon Godchaux

The New Orleans Saints restructured the contracts of right guard Cesar Ruiz and nose tackle Davon Godchaux on the eve of the 2026 regular season. The team deferred $6.2 million in cap costs for Ruiz and $4.12 million for Godchaux to gain financial flexibility. This adjustment allows the club to remain compliant with salary cap requirements as it shifts from the offseason top-51 rule to including all active roster, practice squad, and injured reserve players. Both players previously faced criticism for their performance during the 2025 season, leading the organization to select replacements in the draft. The restructured deals complicate potential roster moves for the Saints, as Ruiz will carry a significant salary cap hit in 2027, while Godchaux will leave behind dead money upon his departure. The move provides the necessary room to manage the roster throughout the coming months.

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