Calvin Ridley Contract and the Titans Offensive Challenges

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Calvin Ridley, one of the NFL’s most electrifying wide receivers, grabbed headlines during the 2024 offseason by securing a massive contract with the Tennessee Titans.

Key Takeaways

  • Calvin is the most electrifying wide receiver, making waves on and off the field.
  • In 2024, he retook center stage by securing a blockbuster contract with the Tennessee Titans.
  • The Titans need to find ways to get Ridley more involved, as his contract represents a significant investment.

This move hardened his position as one of the league’s top players, but the Titans’ early struggles have overshadowed much of the excitement.

Here’s an in-depth look at Ridley’s contract, his journey to Tennessee, and the challenges he and the team face in getting their star wideout involved in the offense.

Ridley’s Early Career and Falcons Contract

Ridley began his NFL journey 2018 as a first-round pick for the Atlanta Falcons. His rookie contract was a four-year deal worth $10.9 million, fully guaranteed, which included a $6 million signing bonus.

Calvin Ridley is an American professional football wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League.
Calvin Ridley played for the Atlanta Falcons. (Source: Atlanta Falcons)

His quick impact on the field earned him the reputation of a rising star, and the Falcons exercised his fifth-year option in 2021, extending his deal through the 2022 season for $11.1 million.

However, Ridley’s career was hit when he was suspended for violating the NFL’s gambling policy, which cut short his 2022 season.

This led to a trade to the Jacksonville Jaguars, where Ridley sought to rebuild his career.

Rebound with the Jacksonville Jaguars

After his reinstatement, Ridley joined the Jaguars for the 2023 season and played under the terms of his fifth-year option.

Despite the gap in his career, Ridley quickly proved he was still an elite receiver, putting up impressive numbers in Jacksonville and setting himself up for a major payday in the offseason.

Calvin Ridley 2024 Contract with the Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans made a significant move by signing Calvin Ridley to a four-year, $92 million contract ahead of the 2024 season, instantly making him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL.

This was a pivotal move for a team looking to bolster its offense. The critical details of the contract include a four-year duration (2024-2027), a total value of $92 million, $50 million in guaranteed money, a $20 million signing bonus, and an average annual salary of $23 million.

The lucrative deal, with $50 million in guarantees, reflects the Titans’ belief in Ridley’s ability to be a game-changer.

However, through the first five games of the 2024 season, Tennessee has struggled to get Ridley involved in their offensive scheme despite the massive investment.

Early Season Struggles and Ridley’s Frustration

Despite Ridley’s impressive contract and clear talent, the Titans’ offense has failed to fully combine him, a trend that came to a head during their Week 5 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

In the 20-17 loss, Ridley finished with zero catches on eight targets, the most targets he had received all season.

This performance was disappointing for Ridley and emblematic of a larger issue within the Titans’ offense.

Much of the blame has fallen on rookie quarterback Will Levis, who has struggled to find rhythm and connect with his star receiver.

Levi’s struggles have made it difficult to unlock Ridley’s full potential, which is undoubtedly frustrating for both the player and the team.

When Ridley was asked about his targets after the game, most of which came late in the second half, he didn’t hold back.

He had an NSFW response that revealed his growing frustration:

“I need some in the beginning of the f—ing game too. S— is getting crazy for me.”

Via Twitter

Ridley’s frustration is understandable. As the Titans’ big offseason signing, he likely expected to be a focal point of the offense, but through five games, it’s clear that there are significant issues in getting him the ball early and often. With the team sitting at 1-4, the lack of production from Ridley has become a glaring issue.

The Titans Struggles to Utilize Ridley

The Titans’ incapacity to maximize Calvin Ridley’s presence on the field has been a significant talking point as the team has struggled out of the gate.

Head coach Mike Vrabel and the coaching staff are facing mounting pressure to figure out how to get Ridley more involved in their game plan.

Despite being their No. 1 target, Ridley’s usage has been uneven, particularly in the early stages of games.

The team’s offensive despairs go beyond Ridley. The entire unit has faced difficulties, and quarterback Will Levis is still finding his footing.

If the Titans want to turn their season around, they must ensure that their big offseason addition is not just a decoy but an integral part of their offensive success.

Calvin Ridley’s 2024 contract with the Tennessee Titans is a major milestone in his career. It represents a well-deserved payday after overcoming adversity.

However, his early-season struggles and growing frustration raise questions about how well the Titans use their star receiver.

As the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing start, unlocking Ridley’s full potential will be key to turning their season around.

With $92 million on the line, the Titans can’t afford to let Ridley’s talents go to waste.

Reshma Rasaili
Reshma Rasaili
Reshma Rasaili is a passionate and meticulous content writer, newly graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from the TU University. Reshma is enthusiastic about entering the publishing industry and contributing innovative ideas and fresh perspectives to the field of content creation and editing.

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