The New Orleans Saints made it a goal this offseason to successfully build an offense around Tyler Shough to give him the best chance to completely develop into a star quarterback.
In free agency, they signed running back Travis Etienne Jr. and guard David Edwards. And then in the 2026 NFL Draft, they took wide receiver Jordyn Tyson in Round 1 and tight end Oscar Delp in Round 3.
Overall, it was a successful offseason to improve the offense. But, as ESPN's Ben Solak highlighted, the long weak spot on the roster is their $44 million right guard in Cesar Ruiz, and the Saints might have his replacement already on the roster.
"The weakest point is Ruiz at right guard," Solak writes. "... If the Saints' offensive coaching staff can get Wright up to speed quickly, I'd expect them to have a quick hook on Ruiz to finish the offensive line facelift and really start running people into the ground."
The Saints might be pivoting from Ruiz this season if he can't get back to his production early in his career. If they do make the quick hook as Solak described, the Saints would most likely turn to 4th-round rookie guard Jeremiah Wright.
Saints should be ready to have quick hook at RG
The 2026 season is a big one for the Saints, and turning to Wright, the 6-foot-5, 348-pound offensive guard over Ruiz should be something the team is ready to make at a moment's notice.
New Orleans needs their best offensive line out there to make Shough develop. That's all that matters this season, and if Wright is the best option, then there should be no qualms over benching Ruiz.
MORE: Chris Olave and the Saints are in extension talks this offseason
With Ruiz's struggles last year, it wouldn't be a surprise if Wright found his way into the starting lineup this season.
The 132nd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Wright has a chance to start in his rookie season. Though it might not be right away, as the Saints will likely start by handing the keys to Ruiz, he could find his way onto the field early this season.
Kellen Moore and the Saints need to have a quick hook with Ruiz, as if they let him stay in for too long, he could hurt Shough's development. That would be a disaster, so Wright might see action early this year if Ruiz struggles.
More Saints news: