Every NFL season presents a fresh slate of challenges and opportunities for players, and the recent developments among some of the league's key figures underline the relentless and often unpredictable nature of professional football.
Calvin Ridley and His Remarkable Comeback
Calvin Ridley's career trajectory has been nothing short of a roller coaster. After stepping away from football for mental health reasons just seven games into the 2021 season, Ridley faced another setback in 2022 due to a suspension under the NFL's gambling policy. However, Ridley's resilience and determination shone through in 2023 when he joined the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he posted impressive stats with 76 catches, 1,016 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. His performance earned him a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually.
Stefon Diggs' Season of Mixed Fortunes
Stefon Diggs had a season characterized by highs and lows. With the Buffalo Bills, Diggs began the season strongly, catching 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games. However, his form dipped significantly, and he did not have a single 100-yard game over the final 11 games of the season. In the playoffs, Diggs managed 10 receptions for 73 yards without scoring a touchdown in two games. This led to a major trade to the Houston Texans in March, which also saw the Bills receiving a 2025 second-round pick in exchange. As part of the trade, Diggs' salary for 2024 was increased to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Nick Chubb's Battle with Injuries
Nick Chubb's career has been riddled with injuries, the latest being a severe left knee injury two games into the 2023 season, where he tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This was a significant blow considering Chubb had a career-high 1,525 rushing yards in 2022. Notably, Chubb had suffered a similar setback in 2015 while playing at the University of Georgia, tearing his LCL, MCL, and PCL. The Cleveland Browns have kept faith in their star running back by retaining him on a revised contract, securing him a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins Faces Uncertain Future with the Bengals
Injuries limited Tee Higgins to just 12 games in 2023, during which he recorded 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. Despite his potential and contributions, the Bengals designated Higgins as a franchise player for $21.816 million. However, Higgins responded by requesting a trade. Meanwhile, the Bengals are reportedly planning a blockbuster contract extension for star receiver Ja'Marr Chase.
Challenges and Changes for Ronnie Stanley and Kyle Pitts
Ronnie Stanley has faced significant challenges with injuries, appearing in just 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020. Last season, Stanley participated in 13 games, and he has now agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million. His new deal includes incentives that could boost his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Kyle Pitts showed immense promise in his rookie season, earning 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection. However, his performance has been hampered by injuries over the past two seasons, during which he managed 1,023 yards in 27 games. Despite this dip in production, the Falcons have picked up Pitts' fifth-year option in 2025, worth $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris has expressed excitement about Pitts' future role, saying, "It's about how we utilize him."
Marquise Brown, Najee Harris, and Rhamondre Stevenson's New Deals
Marquise Brown experienced a career-low in 2023 with 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. His potential remains, and the Kansas City Chiefs have bet on it by signing him to a one-year, $7 million deal, with potential earnings reaching $11 million with incentives. However, a dislocated left shoulder is expected to keep Brown out of the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Najee Harris has consistently gained over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Despite this, the Steelers decided against exercising a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for Harris in 2025. On the other hand, the Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million in guarantees.
Jawaan Taylor and Jameson Williams
Jawaan Taylor, who signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023. His contract includes $60 million in guarantees and $20 million in fully guaranteed salary for 2025.
Rising star Jameson Williams, Detroit's 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, recorded 24 receptions for 354 yards with two touchdowns in 12 games last season. With Josh Reynolds leaving for Denver, Williams now enjoys a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million.
Titans' Receiving Corps Shifts
Treylon Burks, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tyler Boyd are the focal points of the Tennessee Titans' receiving corps for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Burks has 49 receptions, 665 yards, and a single touchdown in 21 games since being drafted. The Titans also signed DeAndre Hopkins on a two-year deal before last year's training camp and have recently added Tyler Boyd on a one-year contract.
The ever-evolving dynamics in the NFL continue to create captivating narratives, as players navigate through trades, contracts, and the physical demands of the sport. Each season brings new hopes and hurdles, with resilience and adaptability being key to success in this unforgiving arena.