Cesar Ruiz embraces criticism and targets stronger 2026 for Saints

New Orleans Saints right guard Cesar Ruiz said he is embracing criticism of his 2025 season and using it as motivation heading into 2026. Ruiz said he is not trying to tune out outside noise and wants to respond with better play to “change the narrative” around his performance. The comments follow a 2025 campaign in which New Orleans missed the playoffs in head coach Kellen Moore’s first season in charge.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis also addressed Ruiz publicly, saying the team needs more from the former first-round pick. Ruiz, who was selected in the first round of the 2020 draft, said he has heard the criticism and framed his approach as “challenge accepted.”

Ruiz said he does not want to “go into his turtle shell” in reaction to scrutiny and put the responsibility on himself to play to the standard expected of a top pick. How he performs during the offseason program, training camp and the preseason is set to be a key storyline for an offense seeking more consistency up front in 2026.

The Saints’ second-half form in 2025 created some optimism about the team’s direction under Moore, but Ruiz remained a frequent target of criticism. Loomis’ comments underscored that the club expects a higher level from a player drafted to be a long-term anchor on the interior line.

Loomis’ message raises stakes for an in-camp evaluation

Loomis’ direct assessment signals Ruiz will be closely evaluated as the Saints shape their lineup for 2026. With a new staff still defining standards and roles, Ruiz’s play in practice settings will matter as much as any public messaging.

Ruiz said he views the criticism as a challenge rather than a distraction. He said the responsibility is on him to improve and deliver at a level that matches the investment New Orleans made when it drafted him in the first round in 2020.

Draft addition adds competition on the interior offensive line

New Orleans also added another option by selecting guard Jeremiah Wright in the fourth round of this year’s draft. The pick increases competition on the interior offensive line and gives Moore’s staff another player to evaluate during practices and preseason games.

Ruiz’s performance in camp is expected to be closely watched as the coaching staff looks for its best combinations up front. If Ruiz shows the progress he says he is targeting, he can strengthen his hold on the right guard spot; if not, the Saints have a younger alternative to consider as the depth chart takes shape.

How New Orleans resolves its interior line picture will be one of the personnel questions to monitor as the Saints try to turn the 2025 setback into a playoff push in 2026.