In 2024, the NFL world was taken aback when Calvin Ridley signed with the Tennessee Titans instead of his expected destination, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Titans offered him a four-year, $92 million contract after a reported bidding war with Jacksonville and New England.
The Jaguars had opted not to extend Ridley’s contract after the 2023 season, leading to his free agency. However, it was not an easy decision for Ridley as he had built strong relationships with many players and staff in Jacksonville.
With salary cap space to spare, Tennessee saw the opportunity to upgrade their wide receiver corps by signing Ridley. Head coach Brian Callahan praised Ridley’s talent, route running, speed, and personality and expressed excitement about having him on the team. The move disrupted Jacksonville’s plans at the position as they had made aggressive efforts to replace him and enhance their receiving options.
During his time with the Jaguars, Ridley had a productive season, leading the team in receiving yards and touchdowns. However, it was not enough for them to offer him a new deal as they were looking to strengthen their receiving corps by signing Gabe Davis and Devin Duvernay in free agency and drafting Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round. These new additions will provide quarterback Trevor Lawrence with a strong group of pass-catching options in 2024 and beyond.
