The NFL landscape is ever-evolving, and the 2023 season has been no exception, with major developments and contract negotiations redefining the careers of several key players. Among the headlines, Calvin Ridley’s comeback story stands out, having navigated suspensions and mental health struggles to showcase his talents with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Calvin Ridley's Revival in Jacksonville
Calvin Ridley’s journey back to the NFL has been fraught with challenges. After stepping away from football mid-season in 2021 to focus on his mental health and then facing a 2022 suspension under the NFL’s gambling policy, Ridley made an impressive return in 2023. Demonstrating resilience and skill, he posted commendable stats with the Jacksonville Jaguars: 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. His performance helped secure his future with a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually—a testament to his rapid resurgence.
Stefon Diggs' Journey to Houston
Stefon Diggs also made headlines this year, albeit for a different reason. Despite a strong start last season with the Buffalo Bills—catching 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games—Diggs struggled to maintain the momentum. He failed to record a single 100-yard game in the following 11 matchups and ended the playoffs with 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns over two games. The offseason brought significant changes, as Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans. The trade, which involved a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick, saw the Bills receive a 2025 second-round pick in return. Part of the deal included a reworked contract that increased Diggs' salary for 2024 to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Challenges for Nick Chubb
The 2023 season also proved challenging for Nick Chubb. The Cleveland Browns’ star running back suffered a severe setback, injuring his left knee two games into the season and tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This injury marks Chubb's second major knee injury, the first being a torn LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015 while playing for the University of Georgia. Despite these daunting injuries, Chubb’s prowess in the 2022 season, where he achieved a career-high 1,525 rushing yards, keeps hopes high for his return. The Browns have shown their confidence by retaining Chubb on a revised contract, ensuring him a guaranteed $2.05 million with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Receiver Developments
In other news, Tee Higgins’ 2023 season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 12 games. Even so, the Cincinnati Bengals' receiver managed to collect 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The team designated Higgins as a franchise player for $21.816 million, a move that led him to request a trade. Meanwhile, the Bengals are reportedly planning a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase, hinting at significant roster changes ahead.
Ronnie Stanley's Contract Adjustments
Ronnie Stanley's performance and salary adjustments have also been noteworthy. Since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, the Baltimore Ravens' offensive tackle has only participated in 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games. Last season saw Stanley playing 13 games, post which he 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, aligning his pay more closely with his on-field contributions.
Kyle Pitts and Marquise Brown Struggling with Injuries
Kyle Pitts, the Atlanta Falcons' dynamic tight end, has found his last two seasons hampered by injuries. Despite a stellar rookie season that saw him rack up 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection, Pitts has managed just 1,023 yards over 27 games in the past two seasons. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about utilizing Pitts, hinting at a potential rebound for the young star. The Falcons picked up his fifth-year option for 2025, worth $10.878 million, signaling their continued faith in his abilities.
Marquise Brown, now with the Kansas City Chiefs on a one-year, $7 million deal (potentially reaching $11 million with incentives), also faced setbacks. Brown had a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches over 14 games in 2023 and is expected to miss the regular-season opener against the Ravens due to a dislocated left shoulder.
Continuing Excellence and Future Prospects
Several players continue to solidify their standings in the league. Najee Harris, running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has gained 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. In contrast, the New England Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, including over $17 million guaranteed. Meanwhile, Jawaan Taylor’s four-year, $80 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, which includes $60 million in guarantees, underscores his value despite leading the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023.
In Detroit, Jameson Williams recorded 24 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games last season. The Lions’ 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft has a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million. However, Josh Reynolds has departed Detroit for Denver, potentially reshaping the Lions' receiving corps.
Finally, Treylon Burks, who has had a modest start to his NFL career with 49 receptions for 665 yards and a single touchdown in 21 games, looks forward to a bolstered Titans offense. Joined by DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Boyd, Burks aims to make a significant impact for quarterback Ryan Tannehill and the Titans’ passing game.