Calvin Ridley returned to the field in 2023 after roughly a year-and-a-half away following a gambling suspension and reminded everyone he is still a WR1.
Ridley posted 76 receptions for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns in his first season with the Jaguars and could be headed elsewhere in free agency, especially after Jacksonville signed receiver Gabe Davis to a three-year, $39 million deal.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter has an idea of where his next landing spot might be, as he reported that while the New England Patriots have been pushing hard for his services, Ridley prefers to return to the Jaguars and build off what he started.
New England is pushing to sign free-agent WR Calvin Ridley, but sources believe that he currently prefers to return to Jacksonville and he has been discussing a deal with the Jaguars. pic.twitter.com/cmFLgY6aV9
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2024
Schefter says that Ridley is in contract discussions with the Jaguars, which would give the team a strong trio of receivers locked in long-term alongside Davis and Christian Kirk.
According to Spotrac, the Jaguars only have $1.1 million in cap space at the moment, so they would have to get creative to make room for Ridley on the roster.
Trading multiple draft picks for Ridley and waiting out his suspension only to watch him leave in free agency after one year would be a letdown for Jags fans, so it’s intriguing to see them working to keep him in town.
The draft pick tied to Ridley is also in flux, as the Jaguars owe the Falcons a second-rounder if they sign Ridley to an extension, however, the pick becomes a third if they wait until the new league year begins on March 13 to sign him as a free agent.
NEXT: Jaguars Reportedly Beat 1 Team To Sign Gabe Davis