The NFL continues to be a dynamic arena where players face trials, triumphs, and transitions. Among the notable narratives this season, Calvin Ridley's journey stands out. After a tumultuous period marked by a suspension in 2022 due to gambling policy violations and a hiatus for mental health reasons in 2021, Ridley returned to make a significant impact on the field in 2023. Suiting up for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ridley accumulated an impressive 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, showcasing his resilience and talent.
Ridley's efforts earned him a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually. As he transitions to a new team, the Titans are clearly betting on Ridley to be a cornerstone of their offense.
Stefon Diggs, another influential receiver, experienced a season of contrasts. He started strong with 49 receptions for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the initial six games for the Buffalo Bills but struggled to maintain this momentum, failing to secure a single 100-yard game in the final 11 matches of the season. In the playoffs, Diggs managed 10 receptions for 73 yards without reaching the end zone. The culmination of these challenges saw Diggs traded to the Houston Texans in March. The trade included a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick from Buffalo, who received a 2025 second-round pick in return. As part of the deal, Diggs' contract was reworked, increasing his 2024 salary to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
For Nick Chubb, the 2023 season was devastating. The Cleveland Browns’ star running back suffered a severe left knee injury, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus just two games into the season. This injury was particularly heartbreaking given Chubb's remarkable 2022 performance, where he achieved a career-high 1,525 rushing yards. Notably, this isn't Chubb's first major knee injury; he previously tore his LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015 while at the University of Georgia. Despite the setbacks, the Browns retained Chubb on a revised contract, guaranteeing him $2.05 million with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Injuries and Returns
Tee Higgins of the Bengals was limited to 12 games in 2023 due to injuries, recording 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. Following these challenges, the Bengals designated Higgins as a franchise player with a tag worth $21.816 million. Despite this designation, Higgins has requested a trade, indicating potential changes in Cincinnati's roster strategy. Concurrently, the Bengals are plotting a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase, further signifying their future offensive priorities.
On the defensive side, the Baltimore Ravens' Ronnie Stanley has had a challenging few years since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020. Stanley has participated in only 26 of a possible 61 regular-season games in that period. Last season, he managed 13 games but agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation from $15 million to $7.5 million. His new deal, however, includes incentives that could boost his earnings to a potential $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Rookies and Roster Moves
The Falcons' tight end, Kyle Pitts, who had an outstanding rookie season with 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection, has seen a dip in production over the last two seasons due to injuries. Despite this, the Falcons have picked up his fifth-year option for 2025, worth $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized, showing confidence in Pitts' potential return to form.
Marquise Brown experienced a career-low in 2023 with just 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. Recently, he signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City, which includes incentives that could elevate his earnings to $11 million. However, Brown is currently struggling with a dislocated left shoulder, which is expected to sideline him for the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Running Backs and Extensions
Najee Harris has established himself as a reliable runner for the Steelers, gaining over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Despite his consistency, the Steelers opted not to exercise his fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for 2025. Meanwhile, the Patriots secured the future of Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed.
Controversies and Penalties
Jawaan Taylor led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023, yet he managed to secure a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, inclusive of $60 million in guarantees. Taylor has $20 million in fully guaranteed salary slated for 2025, reflecting the Steelers' commitment despite his penalty issues.
Rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams, Detroit's 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is gearing up for a promising career with a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million. Additionally, the Lions saw changes with Josh Reynolds leaving for Denver, signaling a shift in their receiving corps.
The Titans' wide receiver room is being bolstered with additions like DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Boyd on short-term deals, complementing the potential of Treylon Burks, who has amassed 49 receptions and 665 yards since being drafted. This trio will be essential for quarterback Ryan Tannehill as the Titans look to enhance their offensive play.
As the NFL season unfolds, the blend of comebacks, trades, and injuries continues to shape the league’s landscape, providing both challenges and opportunities for the teams and players involved. The off-season maneuvers and strategic decisions are setting the stage for an intriguing and competitive season ahead.