Tag: Calvin Ridley

Calvin Ridley shoots down idea Titans paid too much for him

After signing a massive deal with the Titans, WR Calvin Ridley shot down the idea that the team paid too much.

There are some out there who believe the Tennessee Titans paid too much for wide receiver Calvin Ridley in free agency, but, of course, he isn’t one of them.

Shortly after news broke that Ridley was getting a four-year, $92 million deal from the Titans in free agency, our buddy over at Raiders Wire, Marcus Mosher, believed Tennessee overpaid for the wideout.

It didn’t take long for Ridley to disagree with that opinion, with the new Titans wideout simply tweeting this in response:

“Naw the right amount,” Ridley said, before Mosher responded with a “congratulations” for the former Jacksonville Jaguar.

Ridley’s annual average ($23 million) only ranks ninth among wide receivers, per Over the Cap. However, the $50 million fully guaranteed ranks second behind only Miami Dolphins star wide receiver, Tyreek Hill.

Considering Ridley was far and away the best option on the open market, it’s no surprise he got a big deal. And, it’s also not surprising that the Titans were willing to pony up the dough considering their desperate need for help at wide receiver.

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Calvin Ridley’s new contract makes Mike Evans’ deal a massive bargain

Calvin Ridley’s massive new deal with the Titans makes Mike Evans even more of a steal for the Bucs

One of the first big surprises of NFL free agency this year is on the board, as the Tennessee Titans are poaching veteran wide receiver Calvin Ridley away from the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars with a massive contract.

Ridley is getting a four-year deal worth $92 million, with $50 million in guaranteed money, per multiple reports.

That’s a super-rich deal for a receiver who turns 30 years old this season, missed an entire season due to a gambling suspension, and has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his career.

It’s especially rich when compared to the two-year deal Mike Evans got from the Bucs that will pay him up to $52 million, which includes $35 million guaranteed.

Yes, Evans will turn 31 years old this season, but he’s also been far more productive and consistent over the course of his career. Even last year, at 30 years old, Evans put up some of his best single-season numbers to date, despite losing Tom Brady as his quarterback (79 receptions, 1,255 yards, league-high 13 touchdown receptions).

Ridley was solid for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, going over 1,000 yards and catching eight touchdowns, but it was just the second time he’s topped the 1,000-yard mark in his six seasons in the league. Evans has eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving in each of his 10 NFL seasons, by far the NFL record to start a career, and one shy of Jerry Rice’s all-time mark.

Tampa Bay kept Evans with a much shorter contract term and $15 million less guaranteed money than Ridley is getting from the Titans, making him a massive steal for what he brings to the offense.

This is just one more on a long list of massive wins for Bucs general manager Jason Licht and the rest of Tampa Bay’s front office.

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Calvin Ridley’s new contract makes Mike Evans’ deal a massive bargain

Calvin Ridley’s massive new deal with the Titans makes Mike Evans even more of a steal for the Bucs

One of the first big surprises of NFL free agency this year is on the board, as the Tennessee Titans are poaching veteran wide receiver Calvin Ridley away from the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars with a massive contract.

Ridley is getting a four-year deal worth $92 million, with $50 million in guaranteed money, per multiple reports.

That’s a super-rich deal for a receiver who turns 30 years old this season, missed an entire season due to a gambling suspension, and has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his career.

It’s especially rich when compared to the two-year deal Mike Evans got from the Bucs that will pay him up to $52 million, which includes $35 million guaranteed.

Yes, Evans will turn 31 years old this season, but he’s also been far more productive and consistent over the course of his career. Even last year, at 30 years old, Evans put up some of his best single-season numbers to date, despite losing Tom Brady as his quarterback (79 receptions, 1,255 yards, league-high 13 touchdown receptions).

Ridley was solid for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, going over 1,000 yards and catching eight touchdowns, but it was just the second time he’s topped the 1,000-yard mark in his six seasons in the league. Evans has eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving in each of his 10 NFL seasons, by far the NFL record to start a career, and one shy of Jerry Rice’s all-time mark.

Tampa Bay kept Evans with a much shorter contract term and $15 million less guaranteed money than Ridley is getting from the Titans, making him a massive steal for what he brings to the offense.

This is just one more on a long list of massive wins for Bucs general manager Jason Licht and the rest of Tampa Bay’s front office.

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Titans signing Calvin Ridley to 4-year, $92 million deal

The Titans swooped in to snag Calvin Ridley away from the Jaguars with a massive deal.

The Tennessee Titans are signing wide receiver Calvin Ridley to a four-year, $92 million deal, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The massive $23 million per year contract with $50 million guaranteed for Ridley comes out of left field as most expected the receiver’s decision to be between the Jaguars and the New England Patriots, although there were late rumors that another AFC South team had jumped into the mix.

While the Jaguars are eligible to receive a compensatory draft selection for the departure of Ridley, the team’s additions of Ronald Darby, Gabe Davis, Devin Duvernay, and Darnell Savage make it unlikely that they’ll suffer net losses.

Ridley, 29, was acquired by the Jaguars in a 2022 trade with the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round pick and what will be a 2024 third-round selection.

In January, Ridley told reporters he hoped he’d return to the Jaguars and reports this week said he still preferred to stay in Jacksonville. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence also said on multiple occasions that he was hoping the team would find a way to keep Ridley.

Ridley, who missed most of the 2021 season and all of 2022, finished his first season in Jacksonville with 76 receptions for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns. However, he struggled at times with consistency, drops, and miscues.

Lawrence and Jaguars coaches were optimistic that more time for the receiver in the offense would allow room for growth. The team will not have that chance.

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Titans agree to terms with WR Calvin Ridley

The Titans have reportedly agreed to terms on a four-year deal with former Jaguars WR Calvin Ridley.

The Tennessee Titans have made a monster splash in free agency, with the team reportedly agreeing to terms with former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver, Calvin Ridley.

The news comes from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who reports that the Titans are giving Ridley a hefty four-year, $92 million deal that includes $50 million fully guaranteed.

This is a stunning turn of events for the Titans, who as recently as earlier today were not considered one of the favorites to land Ridley, who was considered the best option at wide receiver entering free agency.

With Ridley inked, the Titans have now seriously upgraded their receivers room, giving quarterback Will Levis two bona fide No. 1 wideouts, with DeAndre Hopkins being the other.

It also makes it more likely the Titans target a left tackle with their No. 7 overall pick, although I wouldn’t say it’s impossible Tennessee goes for a receiver there, seeing as how Hopkins only has one more year left on his deal.

The $23 million annual average ranks ninth in the NFL among receivers, per Over the Cap. Of course, we can’t fully judge this deal quite yet until the total breakdown is revealed.

After missing most of the 2022 campaign because of a gambling suspension, Ridley came back in 2023 with the Jags and finished with 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns while playing in every contest.

In two games against Tennessee, Ridley broke the century mark twice, ripping off 209 yards in total and three touchdowns.

In Ridley, the Titans have a wideout who can get open at any part of the field, and he’s capable of being the deep threat Levis needs, also.

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Calvin Ridley trade officially nets Falcons a 3rd-round draft pick

Since the Jaguars did not re-sign WR Calvin Ridley, the Falcons’ conditional pick is officially a third-rounder (No .79 overall)

The 2024 NFL league year began at 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday and free agents can now sign contracts with any team for the upcoming season. For the Atlanta Falcons, this is both a good thing and a bad thing.

On the bright side, the team added key free agents, including quarterback Kirk Cousins and wide receiver Darnell Mooney. However, since the Jacksonville Jaguars did not re-sign former Falcons WR Calvin Ridley, Atlanta’s 2024 compensatory pick is officially a third-rounder (No .79 overall).

If Ridley had re-signed with the Jaguars before Wednesday’s deadline, the Falcons would have received a second-round pick instead. Jacksonville can still re-sign Ridley, but it wouldn’t impact the compensatory pick because it’s not technically an extension.

Therefore, any deal between the two was unlikely to happen prior to March 13. Ridley did help the Falcons by hitting certain milestones in 2023. He topped 1,000 receiving yards and 75 catches, which secured Atlanta a third-round pick.

The Falcons originally selected Ridley in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft out of Alabama. The 29-year-old is still talking to the Jaguars, and the Patriots are reportedly targeting him as well.

Updated list of Jaguars set to become 2024 free agents

The Jaguars have re-signed a handful of their impending free agents, but there are still several players set to hit the open market.

In addition to the six new Jacksonville Jaguars set to be added to the roster, the team has been working to bring back a few of their own free agents.

Ezra Cleveland, Jeremiah Ledbetter, and Daniel Thomas all signed new contracts with the Jaguars and both Blake Hance and D’Ernest Johnson will reportedly soon follow. Jacksonville also used the franchise tag to keep Josh Allen from hitting the market.

While the Jaguars hope they can add Calvin Ridley to that list, for now he and several of his 2023 teammates are set to hit the market when free agency officially begins Wednesday. Here’s every Jaguars player with an expiring contract who is still set to become a free agent:

With the Ravens’ Devin Duvernay set to join the Jaguars’ roster, Agnew’s time with the franchise is clearly over. He even said his goodbyes on social media Tuesday. In three seasons with the team, he earned a trip to the Pro Bowl, scored two return touchdowns, caught five touchdown passes, and recorded a rushing touchdown.

It was a quick hi and bye for Barkley, who signed with the Jaguars a day after Christmas in 2023 amid a string of injuries for Trevor Lawrence. He was active for Jacksonville’s Week 17 game against the Carolina Panthers and took six snaps in garbage time.

Blackson signed with the Jaguars just before the start of the 2023 season and had a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Despite being on the field for just 30 percent of the Jaguars’ defensive snaps, he managed to fall on three fumbles.

The Jaguars seemed to remain optimistic about the 2020 first-round pick all the way to the bitter end. But after four seasons, Chaisson has just five career sacks.

Claybrooks missed the entire 2023 season due to a domestic battery court case that’s still ongoing. While there was some confusion about whether his contract would toll over due to the lost year, Demetrius Harvey of the Florida Times-Union reports that Claybrooks will be an unrestricted free agent as of Wednesday.

After signing a three-year contract with the Jaguars as an undrafted rookie in 2018, Herndon re-signed with the team on one-year deals in 2021, 2022, and 2023. For the fourth straight offseason, he entered this March as an impending free agent. In six seasons with Jacksonville, Herndon has appeared in 83 career games and has three interceptions, nine tackles for loss, and 32 passes defended.

The Jaguars reportedly decided not to tender Johnson, who was set to be a restricted free agent this offseason. That’ll allow the special teams ace to hit the market after spending two seasons in Jacksonville.

McManus spent one season with the Jaguars and is reportedly headed elsewhere. The veteran kicker agreed to a one-year deal with the Commanders on Monday night.

Moore joined the Jaguars in 2022 and spent the entire year on the practice squad, then he spent all of 2023 on the team’s injured reserve. As an exclusive rights free agent, it’d cost next to nothing for Jacksonville to keep him, but there’s been no indication yet that they’ve extended a qualifying offer.

Quarterman, a fourth-round pick in 2020, played out the final year of his rookie contract in 2023. In four seasons with the Jaguars, he 54 career tackles, one tackle for loss, and one very consequential forced fumble.

Ridley is easily the biggest name on this list and the top receiver on the free agent market. In his first season with the Jaguars following a 2022 trade from the Falcons, Ridley recorded 76 receptions for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns. Jacksonville is reportedly working to bring back the receiver and he “currently prefers to return” to the Jaguars, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

No player in Jaguars history has played more consecutive games with the team than Shatley. After signing with the team as a free agent in 2014, he signed new contracts with the Jaguars in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Shatley started six games for the Jaguars in 2023.

The Jaguars picked up Van Lanen in exchange for a seventh-round pick in 2022, but he’s appeared in just 71 snaps over two years with the team. As a restricted free agent, the Jaguars could tender the lineman, but there hasn’t been an indication that they’ve decided to do so.

Calvin Ridley reportedly ‘prefers to return’ to Jaguars over other offers

It’s not a done deal, but Calvin Ridley is reportedly in no hurry to leave Duval behind.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are still working to bring back Calvin Ridley and it sounds like they have a leg up on the competition because the 29-year-old wide receiver isn’t in a hurry to leave Duval.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the New England Patriots are pushing to sign Ridley but the receiver “currently prefers to return to Jacksonville.” Per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, another team could be “a darkhorse lurking” in pursuit of Ridley.

The Jaguars haven’t been in a rush to get their deal done with Ridley, as signing him before 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday would mean their second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft would transfer to the Atlanta Falcons as part of the 2022 trade that sent the receiver to Jacksonville. It’ll be a third-rounder going to Atlanta — regardless if Ridley re-signs with the Jaguars or leaves to join another team — if he’s still unsigned as of Wednesday afternoon.

On Monday, the Jaguars agreed to a three-year deal with Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis that’s expected to be sign when he becomes a free agent Wednesday. While some have suggested Davis is a subpar replacement for Ridley, it now seems Jacksonville is well-positioned to have a wide receiving corps with both Davis and Ridley.

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Patriots named as one of two possible frontrunners for WR Calvin Ridley

All eyes are on the Calvin Ridley sweepstakes, and the Patriots could reportedly be at the center of it

The New England Patriots are reportedly one of two frontrunners for wide receiver Calvin Ridley.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Patriots are expected to make a push for the star wide receiver. Fowler also noted the Tennessee Titans and Carolina Panthers could be in the mix as well.

Ridley is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. He recorded 76 catches for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns last season for Jacksonville. Those numbers include three games of over 100 yards receiving, including a 10-catch, 106-yard performance in the season finale against the Tennessee Titans.

Ridley would give the Patriots a true top receiver and a deep threat at the position. He is also in the prime of his career at 29 years old.

Grabbing Ridley would immediately ignite the Patriots’ passing offense. It would also help them keep pace with the rest of the NFL, as the league becomes more offensive-minded.

Report: Patriots expected to ‘swing big’ for free agent WR Calvin Ridley

The Patriots are expected to be all-in on pursuing former All-Pro WR Calvin Ridley in free agency

After missing out on Tee Higgins, Mike Evans and Michael Pittman Jr., the New England Patriots are reportedly expected to “swing big” on Jacksonville Jaguars pending free agent wide receiver Calvin Ridley.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted the Patriots, who were also interested in former Denver Broncos wideout Jerry Jeudy, will be a team to keep an eye on as a potential suitor for the former All-Pro receiver.

Fowler wrote:

Expect the Patriots to swing big on receiver Calvin Ridley. The Jaguars are very interested in keeping Ridley but haven’t been able to close the deal.

The Patriots were in on Jerry Jeudy before the receiver was traded to Cleveland, but they wanted to wait until free agency before committing to a receiver, likely because they have their eyes on a few.

Receiver has been one of the biggest needs on the Patriots’ roster for quite some time. Rookie sixth-round draft pick Demario Douglas, who works predominantly out of the slot, was the best wideout on the team after Kendrick Bourne went down with a knee injury in Week 8 last season.

Ridley missed more than a year-and-a-half of football and came back with a vengeance in 2023 with 76 catches for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns.

Adding the former first-round pick wideout to a receiving corps that already has Douglas, while potentially selecting one or two rookies at the 2024 NFL draft, could drastically reshape the unit. There’s also the possibility the Patriots double dip in free agency. A receiving corps of Ridley, Douglas and Arizona Cardinals free agent wideout Marquise “Hollywood” Brown would also be solid.

With that said, the Patriots might have to overpay talent to convince them to come to New England. It might not be good enough to merely offer a little more than Jacksonville for a player like Ridley, especially when there’s so much uncertainty at the quarterback position.