The NFL continues to be a dynamic and unpredictable arena, with this season witnessing many noteworthy developments and player transformations. Across various teams, key players have encountered significant challenges, dramatic trades, and contract adjustments that could significantly impact their future performances.
Calvin Ridley: From Suspension to Redemption
Calvin Ridley, who spent the 2022 season suspended under the NFL's gambling policy, had a remarkable comeback with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023. Ridley, having stepped away from football mid-2021 to focus on his mental health, posted impressive stats of 76 catches for 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. Ridley's resilience and determination have undoubtedly made a significant impact on the field.
The Stefon Diggs Saga
Stefon Diggs’ journey took a dramatic turn after a mixed season with the Buffalo Bills. Despite catching 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games last season, Diggs struggled in the latter part, failing to achieve a single 100-yard game over the final 11 games. His playoff performance was also subdued, with 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns in two games. In March, Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans, along with a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick, in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick. As part of the 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 faced a severe setback with a significant injury two games into the 2023 season, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his left knee. This injury is particularly devastating considering Chubb had a career-high 1,525 rushing yards in 2022. Notably, Chubb had previously experienced a severe knee injury in 2015 while at the University of Georgia. The Cleveland Browns have retained Chubb on a revised contract, ensuring him a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins and the Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals’ Tee Higgins faced a challenging 2023 season, limited by injuries to just 12 games. Despite this, he managed to record 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Bengals designated Higgins as a franchise player for $21.816 million, after which he requested a trade. The focus now shifts to the Bengals' plans for a blockbuster contract extension for Ja’Marr Chase, indicating significant roster changes ahead.
Ronnie Stanley’s Continuous Struggle
Ronnie Stanley's journey with the Baltimore Ravens has been marred by injuries. 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. He managed to play 13 games last season but agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million. However, his new contract includes incentives that could boost his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Kyle Pitts: A Roller Coaster of a Career
Kyle Pitts made an impressive start to his NFL career with 1,026 yards receiving and a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie season. However, his production has dipped over the last two seasons due to injuries, managing 1,023 yards in 27 games during this period. The Falcons have picked up Pitts’ fifth-year option in 2025, worth $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized moving forward, indicating a potentially pivotal year for Pitts.
The Titans Strengthen Their Roster
Marquise Brown, despite a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games in 2023, signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Brown, however, is expected to miss the regular-season opener against the Ravens due to a dislocated left shoulder. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans have strategically bolstered their receiving corps, adding Tyler Boyd on a one-year contract to complement Treylon Burks and DeAndre Hopkins. This trio aims to provide a solid foundation for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Contract Developments
Najee Harris has consistently gained over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Nonetheless, the Steelers chose not to exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for him in 2025. Meanwhile, the Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed. On the defensive end, Jawaan Taylor signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees. Taylor led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023 and has $20 million in fully guaranteed salary scheduled for 2025.
As the NFL season progresses, these developments highlight the ever-changing landscape of the league, with players, coaches, and teams continually adapting and strategizing for success. Each decision, injury, and performance will invariably shape the forthcoming games, keeping fans and analysts on their toes.