The Tennessee Titans shook up the NFL landscape by securing former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley in free agency. Ridley inked a lucrative four-year, $92 million deal, with an impressive $50 million guaranteed. Despite rumors linking him to the Jaguars and New England Patriots, Ridley ultimately chose to align with a former rival.
Ridley’s journey to free agency was marked by intrigue. Although he has appeared in just 66 career games, he celebrated his 29th birthday in December. This anomaly stems from Ridley’s hiatus due to mental health reasons, followed by a suspension in 2022 for gambling on NFL games.
Nevertheless, the Jaguars acquired Ridley’s rights from the Atlanta Falcons during his suspension, and he made a significant impact in 2023, amassing 76 receptions for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns.
During his introductory press conference in Nashville, Ridley fielded questions about his longevity in the league. He confidently asserted that despite being 29 on paper, he feels more like a 25-year-old in reality.
“Let me tell you this,” Ridley stated. “I may be 29 on paper, but in reality, I’m more like 25. Those two years off certainly helped, but my spirit and energy are youthful. I can keep up with the younger players just as well as the veterans. Football is my passion, and I’m ready to give it my all.”
Ridley entered the NFL scene as the 26th overall pick by the Falcons in the 2018 NFL Draft, showcasing his prowess with a career-high 10 touchdowns in his rookie campaign. His breakout season came in 2020, where he amassed an impressive 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns.
Known for his exceptional route running, Ridley is poised to be a cornerstone in Brian Callahan’s offensive scheme, alongside DeAndre Hopkins, ushering in a new era for the Titans’ offense, now centered around Ridley’s dynamic playmaking abilities.
