The NFL landscape is ever-changing, with each season presenting new challenges and opportunities for its players. Among those navigating these choppy waters are key figures like Calvin Ridley, Stefon Diggs, Nick Chubb, Tee Higgins, Ronnie Stanley, Kyle Pitts, and others.
Calvin Ridley's Journey
Calvin Ridley's recent seasons have been a tale of resilience and comeback. After spending the 2022 season under suspension due to the NFL's gambling policy and stepping away in 2021 to focus on his mental health, Ridley roared back in 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He achieved an impressive 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. His performance caught the attention of the Tennessee Titans, who rewarded him with a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract, averaging $23 million annually.
Stefon Diggs: A Season of Highs and Lows
Stefon Diggs showcased his spectacular form in the early part of the last season, amassing 620 yards and five touchdowns from 49 receptions in the first six games. However, his performance dwindled as the season progressed, failing to hit the 100-yard mark in any of the final 11 games. In the playoffs, his form dipped further with 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns across two games.
March brought a significant change for Diggs when he was traded to the Houston Texans. The deal included a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick for Diggs, with the Buffalo Bills acquiring a 2025 second-round pick in return. As part of the trade, Diggs' contract was restructured, boosting his 2024 salary to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Nick Chubb's Injury Woes
Nick Chubb's promising start to the 2023 season was cut short by a catastrophic injury. He suffered a severe left knee injury, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus just two games into the season. This was a painful echo of his past, as Chubb had previously torn his LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015 at the University of Georgia. Despite this, Chubb's 2022 season was a resounding success, with a career-high 1,525 rushing yards.
The Cleveland Browns ensured Chubb's place in the team by revising his contract, guaranteeing him $2.05 million with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins and the Bengals' Dilemma
Injuries limited Tee Higgins to just 12 games in 2023, where he managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Cincinnati Bengals have placed the franchise tag on Higgins with a value of $21.816 million. However, this move has not sat well with Higgins, leading to a trade request.
Meanwhile, the Bengals are focusing on securing a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase, indicating the team’s clear priorities moving forward.
Ronnie Stanley and Contract Adjustments
Ronnie Stanley's injury history has been a concern for the Baltimore Ravens. Since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, Stanley has participated in only 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games. Last season, he played in 13 games, a relative improvement.
Understanding the need for flexibility, Stanley agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million. His new deal offers incentives that could boost his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Kyle Pitts and the Falcons' High Hopes
Kyle Pitts dazzled in his rookie season with 1,026 yards receiving and a Pro Bowl selection. However, his production has dipped over the last two seasons due to injuries, managing 1,023 yards in 27 games. Despite this, the Atlanta Falcons maintain faith in Pitts, picking up his fifth-year option in 2025, worth $10.878 million.
Expressing confidence in Pitts' future contributions, new Falcons coach Raheem Morris remarked, "We’re excited about how Pitts will be utilized."
NFL Roster Moves and Notable Contracts
Marquise Brown experienced a dip in form in 2023, recording a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. Moving forward, Brown signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City, with potential earnings reaching $11 million with incentives. He is currently nursing a dislocated left shoulder, which is expected to keep him out of the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Najee Harris has been a consistent performer for the Pittsburgh Steelers, gaining over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Despite his performance, the Steelers did not exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for Harris in 2025.
In other notable moves, the New England Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, including over $17 million guaranteed. Meanwhile, Jawaan Taylor signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees.
Lions and Titans Strengthen Their Ranks
Jameson Williams, Detroit's 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, recorded 24 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games last season. He is secured with a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million. Detroit also saw Josh Reynolds leave for Denver.
The Tennessee Titans bolstered their receiving corps by signing DeAndre Hopkins to a two-year deal before last year's training camp. They also recently added Tyler Boyd on a one-year contract, joining Treylon Burks, who tallied 665 yards and a single touchdown in 21 games since being drafted. This trio will be pivotal for quarterback Ryan Tannehill's success in the upcoming season.