Trevor Lawrence on Calvin Ridley: ‘Another Year Playing Together, It’s Only Going To Get Better’

Trevor Lawrence certainly seems in favor of Calvin Ridley returning next season.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a long to-do list when it comes to improving their offense this offseason. 

From adjusting the offensive line to cutting out turnovers, especially at the quarterback position, the Jaguars have a number of priorities before Week 1 next September. 

But perhaps most important among those priorities is wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who is set to become a free-agent after a year as the team's wideout. 

Ridley recorded the second 1,000-yard season in his career in 2023, catching 76 passes for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns. He also made it through the entire season healthy, starting all 17 games after serving a season-long suspension in 2022 and missing most of the 2021 season. 

But while both Ridley and general manager Trent Baalke have expressed interest in Ridley returning in 2024, there is still the obvious obstacle of what kind of draft capital the Jaguars would give up. If the Jaguars were to sign Ridley before the new league year begins in March, they will lose a second-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons. 

There are other avenues to keeping Ridley, of course, such as the franchise tag or simply letting Ridley hit free-agency before signing him, which would mean the Jaguars only lose a third-round pick. 

Regardless of how the Jaguars tackle the Ridley situation, one thing is obvious: Trevor Lawrence wants him back. 

Speaking with USA Today Sports, Lawrence noted he and Ridley "built a good relationship over the past year," and explained why he think they could be even better next year. 

“We took some big strides this year and I know another year playing together, it’s only going to get better. And you got to think about it too, he’s been out for two years; this was his first year back and I thought he did some really great things. He got better every game as the season went on. Our chemistry grew," Lawrence said.

“So many good things to build on. Just to know that we can be a lot better too is encouraging. I’m hoping that we can get him back and just keep building on what we were able to start this year.”