As the NFL continues to evolve with each season, the narratives of its players often symbolize the league's dynamic nature. Among the myriad stories, Calvin Ridley's journey stands out. After stepping away from football after seven games in the 2021 season to prioritize his mental health, Ridley faced a suspension in 2022 under the NFL's gambling policy. Yet, 2023 marked a triumphant return for Ridley as he tallied impressive stats with the Jacksonville Jaguars: 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. His comeback was further underscored by a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually.
While Ridley's resilience is commendable, the narrative of Stefon Diggs offers a different perspective. The prolific wide receiver began last season with the Buffalo Bills on a high note, catching 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games. However, Diggs did not record a single 100-yard game over the final 11 games. In the playoffs, his contributions waned further to 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns across two games. The offseason saw him traded to the Houston Texans, with the Bills receiving a 2025 second-round pick in return. Meanwhile, as part of the trade, Diggs' contract was updated, increasing his salary for 2024 to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Nick Chubb's Injury Woes
Nick Chubb's season was cut short early in 2023 after suffering a severe left knee injury just two games in, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This was a cruel blow to the running back who had enjoyed a career-high 1,525 rushing yards just a year prior. Chubb's history of knee injuries dates back to his college days at the University of Georgia, where he previously tore his LCL, MCL, and PCL. Despite these setbacks, the Cleveland Browns have shown faith in their star player, retaining him on a revised contract that guarantees him $2.05 million, with the potential to earn up to $12.225 million based on performance incentives.
Challenges for Other Key Players
Tee Higgins dealt with injuries in 2023, limiting him to just 12 games. Even so, he managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. Recently designated as a franchise player for $21.816 million, Higgins responded by requesting a trade, adding another layer of complexity to the Bengals' plans. The team is also looking at a significant contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase, which could potentially redefine its financial landscape.
For the Baltimore Ravens, Ronnie Stanley’s injury struggles have been a persistent concern. Playing only 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, Stanley agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation from $15 million to $7.5 million. His new deal, however, includes incentives that could boost his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Potential and Pitfalls for Young Stars
Kyle Pitts emerged as a standout talent in his rookie season with 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection. Unfortunately, injuries have hampered his production over the last two seasons, leaving him with just 1,023 yards in 27 games. Nonetheless, the Falcons have exercised their faith in Pitts by picking up his fifth-year option in 2025, worth $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized in future schemes.
Marquise Brown had a challenging 2023, recording a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. Now with Kansas City on a one-year, $7 million deal (potentially reaching $11 million with incentives), Brown faces an immediate hurdle with a dislocated left shoulder expected to sideline him for the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Running Backs and Roster Moves
Najee Harris has shown consistency by gaining over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. However, in a surprising move, the Steelers opted not to exercise his fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for 2025. In contrast, Rhamondre Stevenson secured his future with the Patriots, signing a four-year, $36 million deal featuring over $17 million guaranteed.
On the defensive end, Jawaan Taylor inked a substantial four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees. Taylor, who led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023, has $20 million in fully guaranteed salary scheduled for 2025.
Tennessee Titans' receiver corps has been bolstered by the additions of DeAndre Hopkins on a two-year deal, and recently Tyler Boyd on a one-year contract. Treylon Burks, with 49 receptions, 665 yards, and a single touchdown in 21 games, rounds out the trio, presenting a solid set of targets for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.