Could Jim Harbaugh reunite with Cesar Ruiz? Discover why the Chargers might trade for the Saints' offensive lineman to bolster their front.
Everyone has roughly the same analysis of the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason, as far as what the team's #1 priority should be heading into the 2026 NFL Draft: Improving the offensive line.
Now, I could make a pretty good argument that the Chargers are fine at Offensive Tackle (assuming that Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater are fully healthy heading into next season), which explains why almost every mock draft you read has the team drafting either an Offensive Guard or a Center with their 1st round pick.
One option that I haven't seen enough thought put into is whether the Chargers could work a deal on the trade market to fill one of the holes along the offensive line, so I went digging today and found at least one trade target that I think fits well.
New Orleans Saints OG Cesar Ruiz is a good player. His ratings would tell you that, in the NFL, he has shown himself to be a nearly-elite pass protector and an average run blocker, but I think a lot of that has to do with the system that he's in and the running backs on the New Orleans roster.
There are three things that make Ruiz an ideal target for the Chargers to trade for. One of those is that he would probably be the best Offensive Guard on the roster immediately, or second to Mekhi Becton (probably depends on your own personal viewpoint of Becton).
Second is Ruiz's contract, which is about to take a big jump up. He counted for $5.8 million against the Saints cap last season but will count for $14.1 million against their cap in each of the next two seasons before his contract expires. The Saints are not likely to compete in 2026 and, as such, are probably looking to turn a player like Ruiz into future assets that can help them once they have a more complete roster.
Third, and perhaps most importantly, Ruiz was a starter (at Center) on the Michigan Wolverines offensive line as a sophomore and junior for head coach Jim Harbaugh in 2018 and 2019 before being drafted in the 1st round by the Saints. He also started five games at Guard as a freshman, which New Orleans later decided was the best position for him.
Whether it's to upgrade at Center or one of the Guard spots, there probably are not many people in the NFL that know and appreciate Cesar Ruiz more than Jim Harbaugh. Considering the position the Saints are in, I imagine the Chargers might be able to get him in a trade for a future mid-round draft pick or two, which would afford them the flexibility to focus on other positions in the draft and free agency.