Ex-Jets Scout Warns Jets Not to Trade For Calvin Ridley
Looking at the news this offseason, there seems to be a Calvin Ridley sweepstakes.
However, after watching the Falcons' wide receiver in his three most productive games in 2021, I am not seeing what all the excitement is about. I am seeing an inconsistent receiver who is on the decline.
After playing five games last season, Ridley unexpectedly stepped away from the Falcons stating he needed to take a "mental health break." By no means, should somebody's mental health not be taken seriously. However, now that the season is over, Ridley seems to be good to go again. He even liked a tweet which stated, "I really hope the Miami Dolphins get Calvin Ridley." It was also reported Ridley unliked the tweet.
Ridley's decision to step away from the team for most of last season has not sat well with part of the Falcons' fan base who "believes he faked these struggles to force his way out of Atlanta," according to sportstalkatl.com.
While these claims can not be substantiated, as an evaluator, the timeline of events does raise questions.
When weighing whether or not the Jets should trade for Ridley, all of that factors in, but that is not the main concern.
Ridley was not a big-time playmaker on film. That is the main concern.
READ: Calvin Ridley to Jets? NFL Insider Predicts Falcons Star WR Will Be Traded
He looked like a gifted athlete with speed, who did not fit in on Atlanta's offense. The timing on some of his routes was off. He looked like an athlete trying to play wide receiver.
Ridley was inconsistent at creating separation at every route level and he looked downright awkward when targeted deep.
Ridley also dropped some passes that were right in his hands (NYG, WSH).
Over the course of Ridley's four-year pro career, he has played 49 games and caught 248 passes (380 targets) for 3,342 yards and 28 touchdowns.
In 2021, his per-catch-average fell off a cliff. In the three years prior, Ridley averaged 13.93 yards-per catch, but last season, that number dropped off (9.1 avg.).
All things considered, this is adding up to be a bad trade option. The Jets could get any number of speed receivers with questionable hands in the latter rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft for a lot less than the $11 million dollars Ridley is scheduled to earn in 2022.
READ: Why the Jets Should Draft Treylon Burks
His career statistical production does not warrant trading a higher round pick in exchange for either. Ridley has averaged 68.2 yards receiving per game. The career target vs. receptions numbers are also alarming (132 missed opportunities).
Should the Jets Trade For Falcons WR Calvin Ridley?
Calvin Ridley
Scouting Report
Trading for Ridley does not make sense for all the reasons stated. He also does not fit the Jets. This is not just about 40 times, it is also about chemistry and fit. The Jets need to surround quarterback Zach Wilson with receivers with large catch radiuses and the ability to consistently pick up yardage after catching short-range passes. This is not Ridley.
My gut instinct is, Ridley is going to be an issue going forward. He is another one of these talented, but problematic receivers like Josh Gordon, Dez Bryant, Terrell Owens, Odell Beckham Jr., and Antonio Brown, only without the same kind of star power.
MORE:
- Four Running Backs the Jets Should Target in Free Agency to Complement Michael Carter
- Jets' Mike White Listed as Possible Replacement For Tom Brady After Bucs' QB Announces Retirement
- PFF Names Jets' Corey Davis Among Worst Free Agent Signings From 2021 Offseason
Follow Daniel Kelly on Twitter (@danielkellybook). Be sure to bookmark Jets Country and check back daily for news, analysis and more.