The NFL realm continually transforms, presenting new challenges and narratives each season. This year has been no exception, with significant developments involving notable players including Calvin Ridley, Stefon Diggs, and Nick Chubb.
Redemption and Returns
Calvin Ridley's journey back to football has been a headline story. After stepping away from the game in 2021 to address his mental health and spending the 2022 season suspended due to the NFL's gambling policy, Ridley made a triumphant return in 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Posting 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, Ridley not only found his form but also secured a lucrative contract. The Tennessee Titans rewarded his efforts with a four-year, $92 million contract, averaging $23 million annually.
Trades and Transitions
Stefon Diggs experienced a dramatic turn of events. Despite starting strong with the Buffalo Bills, gathering 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games of last season, his performance waned. Over the final 11 games, he failed to have a single 100-yard game and his playoff run culminated with 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns in two games. This led to a major trade in March, where Diggs, along with a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick, moved to the Houston Texans. In return, the Bills acquired a 2025 second-round pick. As part of this trade, Diggs’ salary for 2024 was adjusted, increasing from $19.005 million to $22.52 million.
Injuries and Recovery
Nick Chubb's 2023 season was cut devastatingly short by a severe knee injury that mirrored a previous collegiate injury. Tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus two games into the season, Chubb faced an arduous recovery ahead. His career-high 1,525 rushing yards in 2022 is a testament to his skills and resilience. The Cleveland Browns stood by their star, retaining him on a revised contract offering a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Seeking Stability
Tee Higgins and the Cincinnati Bengals navigated through their challenges in 2023. Limited by injuries, Higgins played only 12 games, securing 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Bengals, recognizing his value, designated him as a franchise player for $21.816 million. However, the wideout's dissatisfaction led to a trade request. Concurrently, the Bengals are preparing a lucrative extension for Ja'Marr Chase, aiming to secure their roster for future successes.
Contracts and Compromises
Ronnie Stanley’s journey with the Baltimore Ravens showcases the complexities of long-term contracts in the NFL. Having signed a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, Stanley has managed to participate in only 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games since then. Despite playing 13 games last season, challenges persisted. To create cap flexibility, Stanley agreed to a pay cut in 2024, reducing his compensation from $15 million to $7.5 million. Nevertheless, his new deal includes incentives that could boost his earnings to up to $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Promising Talent and Tough Decisions
Kyle Pitts showed immense promise in his rookie season, recording 1,026 receiving yards and earning a Pro Bowl selection. Unfortunately, his last two seasons have seen a dip in production due to injuries, managing only 1,023 yards in 27 games. The Falcons, however, displayed confidence in Pitts' potential, picking up his fifth-year option in 2025 worth $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized.
Marquise Brown faced a challenging 2023 season with a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. Seeking a fresh start, he signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City, with potential earnings up to $11 million with incentives. However, a dislocated left shoulder is expected to keep him out of the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Further Movements
Najee Harris has been a consistent performer, gaining over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Yet, in a surprising move, the Steelers opted not to exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for Harris in 2025. Meanwhile, the Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed, ensuring stability in their backfield.
Jawaan Taylor also made headlines, signing a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees. Taylor, who led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023, has $20 million in fully guaranteed salary scheduled for 2025.
Roster Reinforcements
Jameson Williams, Detroit's 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, had a respectable season with 24 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games. However, the Lions saw some changes as Josh Reynolds departed for Denver. On the other side, Williams has a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million.
Lastly, the Tennessee Titans fortified their receiving corps. Treylon Burks, with 49 receptions for 665 yards and a single touchdown in 21 games since being drafted, now lines up alongside DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Boyd. Hopkins signed a two-year deal before last year's training camp, and Boyd joined on a one-year contract. Together, they aim to provide ample targets for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
As the new season unfolds, these stories and player movements will undoubtedly shape the dynamics and fortunes of their respective teams, ensuring yet another captivating NFL season.