Calvin Ridley's Rollercoaster Journey
Every NFL season presents unique challenges and opportunities for players, and Calvin Ridley's journey exemplifies this truth. After stepping away from football after seven games in the 2021 season to focus on his mental health, Ridley faced a year-long suspension in 2022 under the NFL's gambling policy.
Returning with a vengeance in 2023, Ridley posted impressive stats with the Jacksonville Jaguars, including 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. His efforts didn't go unnoticed, leading to a lucrative contract with the Tennessee Titans. Ridley's four-year, $92 million deal averages $23 million annually, demonstrating the Titans' belief in his capabilities.
Stefon Diggs' Tumultuous Season and Trade
Stefon Diggs showcased glimpses of brilliance and endured challenges last season with Buffalo. He managed 49 receptions for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games. Unfortunately, consistency eluded him as he failed to record a single 100-yard game over the final 11 games.
In the playoffs, Diggs' performance continued to wane, with just 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns in two games. This performance shift led to his trade to the Houston Texans in March. The Texans received Diggs, along with a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick, while the Buffalo Bills secured a 2025 second-round pick in return. As part of the trade, Diggs' contract was reworked, increasing his salary for 2024 to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Nick Chubb's Unfortunate Injury
Nick Chubb's 2023 season was abruptly cut short by a severe left knee injury two games in. The ailment involved tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus, a blow to both Chubb and the Cleveland Browns. This wasn't Chubb's first major knee injury, having previously torn his LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015 while at the University of Georgia.
Despite this setback, Chubb's remarkable 2022 season, in which he rushed for a career-high of 1,525 yards, remains a testament to his resilience. The Browns have kept faith in their star running back, retaining him on a revised contract that guarantees him $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins' Struggles and Future Uncertainty
Tee Higgins' 2023 season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 12 games. Nevertheless, he managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Bengals valued Higgins highly enough to designate him as a franchise player for $21.816 million; however, Higgins has requested a trade following this designation.
Meanwhile, the Bengals are also strategizing a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase, setting up an intriguing offseason for Cincinnati's front office.
Ronnie Stanley's Battle with Injuries
Ronnie Stanley has struggled with injuries since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020. The offensive tackle has participated in just 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games over that period. Last season, Stanley managed to play in 13 games but chose to take a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation from $15 million to $7.5 million.
His revised deal includes incentives that could boost his earnings up to $17.5 million, contingent on playtime and honors, demonstrating his commitment to prove his worth on the field.
Kyle Pitts' Rollercoaster Production
Kyle Pitts burst onto the NFL scene with an outstanding rookie season, recording 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection. However, injuries have hindered his production over the last two seasons, during which he managed a combined 1,023 yards in 27 games.
Despite these setbacks, the Falcons have picked up Pitts' fifth-year option for 2025, worth $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed his excitement about how Pitts will be utilized, signaling high hopes for the young tight end's future.
Marquise Brown's New Chapter
Marquise Brown faced a challenging 2023 season, registering a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. Nonetheless, he secured a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City, with potential earnings reaching $11 million based on incentives.
Brown's pre-season preparation hit a snag as he dislocated his left shoulder, which is expected to keep him out of the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Najee Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson's Contracts
Najee Harris has consistently delivered for the Steelers, gaining over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Yet, the organization chose not to exercise his fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for 2025.
In contrast, the Patriots have locked in Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million extension, featuring over $17 million guaranteed. Both teams are making strategic moves to optimize their backfield scenarios.
Jawaan Taylor's Mixed Impact
Jawaan Taylor signed a significant four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, which includes $60 million in guarantees. Notably, Taylor led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023, a stat he aims to improve upon in the upcoming season.
His fully guaranteed salary for 2025 stands at $20 million, highlighting the Steelers' investment in his potential despite the past season's challenges.
Jameson Williams and Treylon Burks' Progress
Jameson Williams, Detroit's 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, showed promise with 24 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games last season. Although Josh Reynolds has left Detroit for Denver, Williams' fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million underscores the Lions' commitment to his development.
Over in Tennessee, Treylon Burks, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tyler Boyd are set to form the Titans' receiving corps for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Burks logged 49 receptions, 665 yards, and a single touchdown in 21 games since being drafted. The Titans recently bolstered their lineup by signing Tyler Boyd on a one-year contract, complementing their previous acquisition of Hopkins.
As these players navigate contracts, trades, and on-field performance, their evolving narratives continue to captivate NFL fans and leave lasting impacts on their respective teams.