Trent Baalke on Jaguars WR Calvin Ridley: ‘I Know Exactly Where He’s at and He Knows Exactly Where We’re At’
The Jaguars have a few big decisions to make this offseason, specifically in regards to their own free agents. While many expect Josh Allen to be retained by the Jacksonville Jaguars, whether he is re-signed or given the Franchise Tag, Calvin Ridley’s future is a bit more uncertain.
Ridley came to Jacksonville in 2022, via a midseason trade from the Atlanta Falcons. Jaguars’ fans had to wait a bit until he played, however, as the former second-team All Pro receiver was coming off of a year-long suspension for gambling.
Fast forward to the 2023 season and fans finally got what they had all been waiting for, Trevor Lawrence throwing to Calvin Ridley. For the most part, the duo shined as Ridley gave Lawrence a downfield threat he had never had before. The connection manufactured Jacksonville’s seventh 1,000-yard receiver, in addition to his eight receiving touchdowns.
Injuries to teammates Christian Kirk and Zay Jones left Ridley as the team’s primary receiver, and though he had his struggles, he ended up having a solid comeback season for himself. He even received votes for the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year.
Now the team has a decision to make, re-sign Ridley or face the possibility of replacing him either in free agency or through the draft. Either option carries much more uncertainty into 2024.
When asked about Ridley’s contribution, Doug Pederson had this to say, “Calvin [WR Calvin Ridley] was the one that was the healthiest at the end of the season and he was a great addition to our offense. Obviously, would love to get him back if possible. I think he has an element of speed down the field that we need. Trevor [QB Trevor Lawrence] felt more comfortable as the season went on.”
It seems Trent Baalke echoes a similar sentiment when it comes to keeping Calvin Ridley. Baalke mentioned Ridley’s name as one the team would like to keep this offseason and discussed contract negotiations between the team and his agent. Keeping the player seems to be a bigger priority than the pick compensation to be sent to Atlanta.
“Well, we’re not real concerned with that, whether it’s a second or third round. We’re just going to work with the player and see if we can come to an agreement whether that’s before that compensation changes or not, that remains to be the same. We’re more focused on the player.” said Baalke
He added, “Yeah, we’re going to continue to have conversations with all of it. We’ve got a lot of work to do this offseason. I had a meeting with Calvin [WR Calvin Ridley] the other day in my office. I had a great talk with Calvin, I know exactly where he’s at and he knows exactly where we’re at. We’re just going to continue to work with all of these players and try to come to some form of compromise, some form of resolution as the weeks go on.”
It seems that retaining Ridley is a focal point for the team’s front office and they want him to play a big part in the offense’s future as Trevor Lawrence’s top receiver. With another season under his belt, his connection with Lawrence should only continue to grow. If their relationship can blossom in 2024, fans could see the return of Calvin Ridley’s All-Pro talent.
