Falcons Caught in Middle of Jaguars' Calvin Ridley Free Agency
Former Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley is a free agent that the Jacksonville Jaguars would consider re-signing after a strong first season in Duval County.
Ridley, 29, caught 76 passes for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns in his first season with the Jaguars, making him a candidate for Jacksonville to re-sign in the offseason. However, the Jaguars' terms of their trade with the Falcons would change if he was brought back.
USA Today
"Per terms of the 2022 trade with Atlanta to acquire Ridley, Jacksonville's third-round pick due to Atlanta turns into a second-rounder if Jacksonville extends Ridley's contract," ESPN writes. "That's why Jacksonville would need to wait until after the new league year begins to avoid giving up a second, because at that point any deal would be a free agency signing and not an extension. But that gives Ridley time to talk with other teams during the negotiating window, unless he and Jacksonville can work out a loose agreement and wait."
It puts the Jaguars in a tricky situation with Ridley's free agency. Keeping him would be ideal, but giving up draft capital in order to do so makes it less likely for him to re-sign. The team could look to replace him with someone like Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins, who played with quarterback Trevor Lawrence back in college at Clemson.
Jacksonville might also want to retain pass rusher Josh Allen, who could be a candidate for a franchise tag, which would dig deep into the Jaguars' cap space.
No matter whether or not the Jaguars keep Ridley, it's clear that the Falcons will be affected in some way.
