While it may not have seemed like it on April 23, University of Michigan center Cesar Ruiz was a hot commodity. Snagging him with the No. 24, the Saints didn’t let the offensive linemen drop any further.
The Saints had a plan in mind. Not immediately following the draft, but about three weeks after, the team released veteran guard Larry Warford. Owed over eight figures, the Saints saved around $8 million by letting him hit the market.
The team had a plethora of other needs entering the draft with offensive line not being one fans were expecting them to address in the first round.