NFL Free Agency: 5 perfect fits for Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley
Associated PressIf a deal doesn’t come before March 13, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley will hit free agency after the team used its franchise tag on pass rusher Josh Allen.
The Jaguars acquired Ridley from the Atlanta Falcons after the former first-round pick received an indefinite suspension for violating the NFL’s betting policy.
After serving his time, Ridley was reinstated ahead of the 2023 campaign and figured to be the top pass-catching option in a Trevor Lawrence-led offense.
Ridley made good on Jacksonville’s gamble, leading the unit in receiving yards (1,016) and touchdowns (8) while finishing second on the team with 76 receptions.
5 potential landing spots for Calvin Ridley
Now, the 29-year-old wideout is seeking a long-term, lucrative contract, and he may hit the open market if the Jaguars cannot close the deal before the start of NFL free agency.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The best fit for Ridley is the team with which he is already familiar. The Jaguars must retain their star pass-catcher to keep the AFC South crown within reach.
Lawrence and Ridley can lead Jacksonville to victory on any given Sunday as the two would aim for a more consistent connection in year two together.
If Ridley and the Jaguars can find common ground on a new contract, continuing their working partnership is in both of their best interests.
Carolina Panthers
However, the Jaguars letting Ridley hit free agency means that other teams could outbid Jacksonville at the negotiation table.
The Carolina Panthers have plenty of cap space to fit a pricy contract on the books. There is also a dire need for a high-end wide receiver for the team’s young quarterback.
Ridley would pair with former number-one pick Bryce Young, giving the offense an identity after an abysmal 2023 campaign.
New York Giants
The Giants need a go-to option in the passing game, and Ridley would be a perfect addition to the offense.
Head coach Brian Daboll is unsure of the quarterback position in New York, as the team is said to have immense buyer’s remorse.
Still, if the Giants can convince Ridley to trust them, there’s a chance he could come to the Big Apple. If the team goes that route, it would help any young quarterback transition to the NFL.
Chicago Bears
Several NFL insiders say the Bears will trade Justin Fields and draft Caleb Williams number one overall.
If Williams wants to become the Bears’ first franchise quarterback in decades, he will need more than just D.J. Moore at wide receiver.
Running Moore and Ridley out there with Williams in tow is an enticing option for Chicago that could produce instant success. There is enough cap space to make it work.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have brought in a few veteran pass catchers over the years, with the most recent being Odell Beckham Jr. in 2023.
For Ridley, he would arrive still in his prime, and given his skill set, Ridley should age well as a route runner and chain mover for the offense.
Lamar Jackson already has Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews at his disposal. But integrating Ridley into the offense would give the Ravens a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl next season.
