Titans signed Calvin Ridley

The Titans signed Calvin Ridley on Wednesday to a 4 year deal with $50 million guaranteed. There had been rumors all week that the Jaguars and Patriots were fighting for Ridley’s services but the Titans swooped in at the last minute and secured another wide receiver for Will Levis.

This is a big contract for a player who had an up and down 2023 season. Ridley spent the season with the Jaguars after almost two seasons out of the NFL due to mental health issues and a gambling suspension. It was clear he struggled more with press coverage than in previous seasons. Unfortunately, the Jaguars did little to help Ridley. They did not utilize his full skill set, lining him up almost exclusively on the outside. He also faced double coverage on 13.6% of his routes. Despite these challenges, he still finished the season with 1016 yards and 8 touchdowns. 

The Titans clearly have faith in Ridley. His talents fit well with the skill set of DeAndre Hopkins. With Hopkins in the X receiver role, Ridley will be able to move all over the formation. This should reduce the frequency he faces press coverage and allow him to get open more readily. It also means that the pass catchers are now in place for the Titans to properly evaluate Will Levis and his suitability as the long term franchise quarterback.   

This signing has been the highlight of an aggressive start to free agency. The Titans signed Calvin Ridley to go along with their other top offensive free agency signings; Tony Pollard (RB) and Lloyd Cushenberry (C). With two top wide receivers now on the team and further offensive line needs, this perfectly lines up the Titans to pick a top offensive tackle in the first round of the NFL draft. 

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