The AFC South was incredibly competitive in the 2023 season. The Jacksonville Jaguars showcased a promising performance for a while but ended up missing the playoff race. They ended their past campaign with a 9-8 record.
The setback for the Jaguars was partially related to their quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s injury. They leaned towards other QBs for a while, but the offensive struggle continued. Another intriguing thing for the team was the uncertainty regarding the state of wide receiver Calvin Ridley heading into the offseason.
Calvin Ridley’s decision on free agency has implications for both Jaguars and Falcons
Calvin Ridley’s decision on free agency is a topic of great significance for both the Jaguars and the Atlanta Falcons. His exceptional performance during the previous season made him a crucial asset for the Jaguars. However, it’s the Falcons who have a particularly vested interest in the young star’s future. The intricacies of the trade deal that brought him from the Falcons to Jaguars have added an interesting dimension to his impending free agency.
The deal stipulates that if the footballer decides to re-sign with the Jaguars, the Falcons will be rewarded with the Jaguars’ 2024 second-round draft pick, via Give Me Sport. On the other hand, if he opts for a different path, the Falcons will receive the Jaguars’ 2024 third-round draft pick.
The trade originally outlined a conditional fourth-round pick from the Jaguars, but Ridley’s standout performance in the 2023 season has elevated the potential compensation to a third-round pick. With the prospect of it escalating further to a second-round pick, the stakes are higher than ever for both teams involved.
The decision-making process for the Jaguars is no longer just about securing a key player for their roster but also considering the draft pick implications tied to Calvin Ridley’s contract. While there is still a possibility that the Jaguars will successfully re-sign the football prodigy, the draft pick dynamics are surely going to be something to watch. The impending draft compensation stipulation implies that the Jaguars are unlikely to expedite the re-signing process before the commencement of the new league year.
Calvin Ridley performance last season
Calvin Ridley’s return to the football field in the 2023 season marked a significant comeback for him. He made a stellar debut for the Jaguars on September 10 against the Indianapolis Colts after a 686-day hiatus. His impactful performance included eight receptions for 101 yards and a crucial receiving touchdown, contributing to the Jaguars’ 10-point victory.
The veteran emerged as the primary target for the Jaguars and led the team in receiving yards with an impressive total of 1,016 yards. His remarkable 76 receptions showcased his ability to consistently make plays in the passing game. He also found the end zone on eight occasions this past season.
However, the receiver’s production displayed inconsistency, with nine games where he recorded less than 50 receiving yards. This fluctuation in performance raises questions about the stability of the Jaguars’ passing attack and Calvin Ridley’s ability to consistently impact the game.
