The Tennessee Titans have made multiple big moves this off-season to build their offense back up after parting ways with superstar running back Derrick Henry. The biggest being the signing of Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who they acquired on a four-year, $92 million dollar deal after the March 13th deadline passed.
While Ridley will likely be a productive asset for the coming years alongside DeAndre Hopkins, this was one of the more surprising moves of this year’s free agency period. Ridley was reported to be between his old team in Jacksonville and the New England Patriots before signing with Tennessee, but General Manager Ran Carthon revealed the process when asked by media on Tuesday.
Tennessee Titans GM Thought Signing Calvin Ridley Was a “Pipe Dream”
From pipe dream to reality, GM Ran Carthon on how the Titans landed @CalvinRidley1 and the ensuing chaos 😂 pic.twitter.com/iyy5L4Oeg2
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) April 2, 2024
Before making the move to acquire Ridley long-term, Carthon and the Titans front office had signing him in the back of their minds. However, they were uncertain of how much money they would have to spend on him during free agency.
“To actually have the opportunity to even consider him was something that we had a part of our plan, but in our mind really it was more of a pipe dream,” Carthon said. “Can we afford these guys and get, you know, Ridley?”
After negotiating with Ridley’s team, the deal was agreed on which locks him in through the 2027 season. Carthon and the front office expressed winning football and want players who give them the best advantage to make the team better. Locking down a productive veteran for the coming years backs up that statement.
Ridley Produced Second 1,000-Yard Season in Jacksonville Last Season
After being suspended for the entire 2022 season due to a gambling scandal, Ridley made his return to the league in Jacksonville. In his 2023 campaign, he caught 76 passes for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns leading the Jaguars in multiple categories.
Ridley, who is 29 years old heading into his sixth NFL season will make an average of $17.6 million for the next four years as a Tennessee Titan. Whether the starting quarterback be their second-round pick in Will Levis or Mason Rudolph, who was signed to a one-year deal during free agency will have plenty of weapons to involve heading into the 2024 season.
For More Football News
Follow me on Twitter at JHadawi2! To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Football, click here!
