Every NFL season presents players with unique challenges and opportunities, and the recent seasons have been no exception.
Calvin Ridley's Rollercoaster Journey
Calvin Ridley's career trajectory has seen its fair share of twists and turns. He spent the 2022 season suspended under the NFL's gambling policy, following his decision to step away from football after seven games in the 2021 season to focus on his mental health. Nevertheless, Ridley made a triumphant return in 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, posting impressive stats: 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
This performance earned him a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually, illustrating the high regard in which he is held despite previous setbacks.
Stefon Diggs' Shifting Fortunes
Stefon Diggs had a mixed season last year with the Buffalo Bills. While he started strong with 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games, he did not record a single 100-yard game over the final 11 games. In the playoffs, Diggs had 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns in two games.
In a major off-season move, Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans in March. The trade involved the Bills receiving a 2025 second-round pick in exchange for Diggs, a 2024 fourth-round pick, and a 2025 fifth-round pick. As part of this trade, Diggs' contract was reworked, increasing his salary for 2024 to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Nick Chubb's Injury Woes
Nick Chubb's 2023 season was cut brutally short due to a severe left knee injury just two games in, where he tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This injury echoed a previous incident in 2015 when Chubb tore his LCL, MCL, and PCL while playing at the University of Georgia. Despite this setback, Chubb's past performances remain noteworthy. In 2022, he achieved a career-high 1,525 rushing yards.
The Cleveland Browns have retained Chubb on a revised contract, offering him a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins and Bengals' Plans
Tee Higgins was limited by injuries to just 12 games in 2023, managing 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Bengals designated Higgins as a franchise player for $21.816 million, which led Higgins to request a trade.
Meanwhile, the Bengals are planning a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase, signaling their intent to build around their star receiver.
Ronnie Stanley's Struggles and Adjustments
Ronnie Stanley has struggled with injuries since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, participating in only 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games. Last season, Stanley managed to play in 13 games.
To accommodate his circumstances, Stanley agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation from $15 million to $7.5 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 and Falcons' Future
Kyle Pitts had an outstanding start to his NFL career with 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie season. However, his production has dipped over the past two seasons due to injuries, managing 1,023 yards in 27 games during that period. The Falcons have shown 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, indicating a potentially pivotal role for the tight end moving forward.
Marquise Brown's Fresh Start
Marquise Brown faced a tough 2023 season, registering a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. He signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City, with potential earnings reaching $11 million with incentives.
Unfortunately, Brown has a dislocated left shoulder expected to keep him out of the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Other Notable Moves
Najee Harris made headlines by consistently gaining over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. However, the Steelers opted not to exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for Harris in 2025.
The Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed, while Jawaan Taylor signed a substantial four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees. Taylor led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023 but has $20 million in fully guaranteed salary scheduled for 2025.
Jameson Williams posted 24 receptions for 354 yards with two touchdowns in 12 games last season for the Detroit Lions, who saw Josh Reynolds depart for Denver. Williams boasts a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million.
Treylon Burks, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tyler Boyd form part of the Titans’ receiving corps for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Burks has had a modest start to his career with 49 receptions, 665 yards, and one touchdown in 21 games since being drafted. The Titans fortified their lineup by signing DeAndre Hopkins on a two-year deal before last year's training camp and recently adding Tyler Boyd on a one-year contract.