As the 2024 iteration of NFL free agency goes into full swing, Calvin Ridley is among the big-name players who are still fielding offers from NFL teams. The wideout enjoyed a breakout season with the Jacksonville Jaguars and will be looking to make as much money as possible.
The Jaguars naturally want him back and continue his successful partnership with Trevor Lawrence. However, a team that is highly interested in acquiring his services has suddenly come out of nowhere to probably drive up the wideout’s asking price.
New England Patriots are the Jacksonville Jaguars’ surprise opponents for Calvin Ridley’s services
While many were interested in Ridley’s services, it was kind of understood that the Jacksonville Jaguars would be the overwhelming favorites to keep him.
Under Doug Pederson’s system, he managed to catch the football 76 times for 1016 yards and eight TDs on 13.4 yards a catch.
However, The Athletic’s Jeff Howe broke the news that they will likely be facing stiff competition from the New England Patriots to get his signature:
On WR Calvin Ridley, it’s down to the Jaguars and Patriots, per sources. There have been other teams involved, but the current likelihood is Ridley will be deciding between Jacksonville and New England. Both teams feel they’re in it. @TheAthleticNFL
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 12, 2024
Does the New England Patriots have a real shot at landing Calvin Ridley?
There’s no reason to believe that the Pats have a shot at bagging Ridley.
While the quarterback situation is still uncertain with the Pats, they’re entering a new era of football under Jerod Mayo, who will bring some much-needed youth to the team that has stagnated under the Patriot Way of Bill Belichick.
Depending on who they take at QB in the 2024 NFL Draft, they may also be able to convince Mooney that he’ll be able to compete for the Lombardi trophy sooner than if he chooses to stay with the Jaguars.
However, it must be mentioned that it was Pederson’s system that helped bring his production back to the level he enjoyed in 2022. Moreover, the uncertainty surrounding the Patriots’ QB situation may turn him off completely and just go back to Duval County.
The Patriots will have to give the pitch of a lifetime if they want to take Ridley away from the Jaguars.
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