Patriots Expected to 'Swing Big' at Signing Free-Agent Receiver

With a dire need for playmakers, the New England Patriots are expected to take a big swing at signing Calvin Ridley in free agency.

Sunday's trade saw former first-round quarterback Mac Jones move to the Jacksonville Jaguars after three seasons with the New England Patriots. But, the two teams' cooperation may end there as free agency begins on Monday, which could see the Patriots rival the Jaguars in player negotiations.

With the Patriots' dire need for more receivers, many expect that to be a major focus for New England this offseason. Combine that with the availability of current Jaguars receiver and soon-to-be free agent Calvin Ridley. According to a new report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, New England looks like a possible destination for the 29-year-old.

"Expect the Patriots to swing big on receiver Calvin Ridley," Fowler writes. "The Jaguars are very interested in keeping Ridley but haven't been able to close the deal.

"The Patriots were in on Jerry Jeudy before the receiver was traded to Cleveland, but they wanted to wait until free agency before committing to a receiver, likely because they have their eyes on a few." 

Jan 7, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) scores a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium.  / Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

Jeudy, a former Alabama teammate of Jones, was long mentioned as a possible trade candidate for the Denver Broncos and was even linked with the Patriots for a time. However, the 24-year-old former first-round pick was dealt on Saturday in exchange for a fifth and sixth-round pick from the Cleveland Browns.

While Jeudy may have been cheaper for the Patriots, considering he was still on his rookie contract, it may have worked out better for New England that they didn't land the former Crimson Tide product. Since being drafted No. 15 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Jeudy hasn't exactly produced to the level of someone like Ridley. 

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Despite coming off a two-year absence from the field due to a combination of injuries and a suspension for violating the NFL's gambling policy, Ridley didn't seem to miss a beat in his return this past season. Even after essentially starting over with a new team in the Jaguars, who he was traded to during his suspension by the Atlanta Falcons.

The 29-year-old totaled 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns on 76 receptions while appearing in all 17 games. 

Ridley is now set to be one of the top receivers available in free agency. He'll likely garner interest from several teams, including the playmaker-needing Patriots.

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