Every NFL season brings a fresh wave of excitement and challenges, with players navigating through trials and tribulations that define their careers. Notably, several high-profile athletes have experienced significant developments recently, affecting their trajectories in the league.
Calvin Ridley's Resurgence
Calvin Ridley's journey back to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. After stepping away from football in 2021 to focus on his mental health, Ridley faced a suspension during the 2022 season under the NFL's gambling policy. However, in 2023, he returned with a vengeance, posting impressive stats with the Jacksonville Jaguars: 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. His performance earned him a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually.
Stefon Diggs' Rocky Season
Stefon Diggs had a season filled with highs and lows. He started strong with the Buffalo Bills, catching 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games. Unfortunately, his performance dwindled over the final 11 games, with no single 100-yard game. In the playoffs, his output was underwhelming with 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns across two games. This led to a significant trade in March, where Diggs, along with a couple of future draft picks, was sent to the Houston Texans. The Bills received a 2025 second-round pick in return. His contract was restructured as part of the trade, bumping his 2024 salary to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Nick Chubb's Injury Woes
Nick Chubb's 2023 season took a devastating turn with a severe left knee injury just two games in, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This injury is particularly bitter given Chubb's history, having previously torn his LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015 while playing at the University of Georgia. Prior to the injury, Chubb had a stellar 2022 season, achieving a career-high 1,525 rushing yards. Despite the setback, the Cleveland Browns retained him on a revised contract, ensuring a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins Faces Franchise Tag
Tee Higgins faced a challenging 2023 season, limited by injuries to just 12 games. He managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. Subsequently, the Bengals designated him as a franchise player for $21.816 million, a move that led Higgins to request a trade. Meanwhile, the Bengals are eyeing a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase, another key player in their lineup.
Ronnie Stanley's Continued Struggles
Ronnie Stanley's battle with injuries continues to impact his career. Since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, he has only participated in 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games. Last season, he managed to play in 13 games and agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million. His new deal includes incentives that could elevate his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Kyle Pitts and Marquise Brown's Setbacks
Kyle Pitts, who enjoyed a stellar rookie season with 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection, has seen his production dip over the last two seasons due to injuries. Accumulating 1,023 yards over 27 games, Pitts' output has waned. Nevertheless, the Falcons have picked up his fifth-year option in 2025, worth $10.878 million. New Falcons head coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized moving forward, suggesting a promising future for the young tight end.
Marquise Brown faced a challenging 2023 season, recording a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. He signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City, with incentives that could push his earnings to $11 million. However, a dislocated left shoulder is expected to keep him out of the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
NFL Running Backs' Changing Fortunes
Najee Harris has been a consistent performer, gaining over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Despite his reliability, the Steelers opted not to exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for 2025. Meanwhile, Rhamondre Stevenson garnered a four-year, $36 million extension from the Patriots, featuring over $17 million guaranteed.
Other Noteworthy Moves
Jawaan Taylor, who led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023, signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees. He has a fully guaranteed $20 million salary scheduled for 2025.
Jameson Williams, Detroit's 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, recorded 24 receptions for 354 yards with two touchdowns in 12 games last season. His exit sees Josh Reynolds leaving Detroit for Denver. Williams has a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million.
Treylon Burks has had a modest start to his career with 49 receptions, 665 yards, and a single touchdown in 21 games. The Titans, already having signed DeAndre Hopkins on a two-year deal before last year's training camp, recently added Tyler Boyd on a one-year contract. This trio, along with quarterback Ryan Tannehill, forms the core of the Titans' receiving corps.
The NFL landscape continues to evolve, with player movements and contractual decisions shaping teams' futures. These developments underline the dynamic nature of professional football, where fortunes can change overnight, keeping fans and analysts alike on the edge of their seats.