Is Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley looking to redeem himself this season?
The Tennessee Titans’ decision to sign wide receiver Calvin Ridley to a four-year, $92 million contract earlier this offseason was met with mixed reviews. Fast forward to late June and Ridley is now the 13th highest-paid receiver in the league with an average annual salary of $23 million. Ran Carthon’s acquisition already looks significantly more reasonable with the market for standout receivers continuously increasing.
Still, the critics made some good points. After spending the 2022 campaign sidelined for violating the league’s gambling policy, Ridley’s return in 2023 wasn’t as fruitful as the Jacksonville Jaguars expected it to be. Ridley produced 76 receptions for 1,016 yards, barely surpassing the 1,000-yard mark while averaging just 59.7 receiving yards per game. The Titans made their aggressive offer to a soon-to-be-30-year-old Ridley nonetheless.
The criticisms outlined above is precisely why Pro Football Focus recently named Ridley to their “10 NFL players with the most to prove in 2024” list.
Which players have the most to prove in 2024?https://t.co/fCRtyn760z
— PFF (@PFF) June 15, 2024
“Ridley signed a lucrative four-year, $92 million deal with the Titans this offseason, but his stock has taken a definitive slide since 2021,” PFF wrote. “After missing all of the 2022 season due to a suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policy, Ridley didn’t look like a dynamic wideout last year, finishing with a 72.2 receiving grade — 38th among 56 receivers with at least 75 targets — and dropping 8.4% of passes thrown his way.
Still just 29, Ridley seems to have plenty left in the tank in terms of longevity. After all, it’s not out of the question to expect him to look like the stellar version of himself we saw in 2020, especially playing next to DeAndre Hopkins. But if Ridley’s 2024 looks like his 2023 did, more questions will swirl about his long-term skill and worth.”
Ridley received rave reviews for his practice showings throughout mandatory minicamp. The Titans feel like he’s going to be a dynamic go-to receiver for sophomore quarterback Will Levis. Ridley will play the “Z” or “flanker” position in Brian Callahan’s offense with DeAndre Hopkins serving as the “X” while Tyler Boyd plays his regular slot position.
Hopkins produced 1,000 yards for Levis last season, but it wouldn’t be shocking if Ridley led the Titans in all meaningful receiving outputs this year. Ridley is a more dynamic route runner than the older Hopkins. The former Alabama standout is entering the 2024 campaign with something to prove.