It seems like it was just yesterday that Calvin Ridley was among the NFL’s top receivers.
He was a first-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in the 2018 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama and in his third season in the league, he amassed 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns. Things have gone off the rails since then. But now, Ridley is earning another opportunity to get back on that star trajectory where he once was.
The Tennessee Titans struck a four-year, $92 million deal to bring in Ridley on Wednesday afternoon, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. That contract includes $50 million in guaranteed money.
It is hard to cast aside that kind of talent and give up the idea that Ridley can return to be a top-10 receiver.
Embed from Getty ImagesRidley is the second major signing the Titans made after the start of the new league year on Wednesday. The team agreed to a one-year deal with former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph.
Both Rudolph and Ridley will now join the Titans under new head coach Brian Callahan, who was hired to replace Mike Vrabel earlier this offseason.
After that 1,374-yard campaign, Ridley’s career had some unforeseen twist and turns.
Ridley experienced some turbulent years. In 2021, he appeared in just five games for the Falcons. He has cited depression and anxiety as the reasons he was away from the team. Then came the gambling suspension. Ridley was found to have placed bets on NFL games totaling $1,500, including the Falcons, when he was out that season. Then the NFL put the hammer down, slapping him with a one-year suspension.
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded for Ridley, hoping that despite a year off, he would be a No. 1 target for Trevor Lawrence. The 2023 season with the Jaguars has to be considered a massive disappointment. He was not terrible, with 1,016 yards, but he was not the force the Jaguars were hoping for and expecting.
Ridley is not what you would call a spring chicken. He will turn 30 years-of-age this upcoming season. However, he could still have an impact, even if it has been a while since he has played like a star. And with the Titans’ recent offensive struggles, they could definitely need his help and whatever production he can muster.
