Every NFL season unfurls a tapestry of narratives that define the careers of its key players. In recent years, Calvin Ridley’s journey has been one of the most captivating. Ridley spent the entire 2022 season suspended under the NFL's gambling policy. Prior to his suspension, Ridley had taken a hiatus after seven games in the 2021 season to focus on his mental health, underscoring the importance of mental well-being in the high-pressure realm of professional sports. Just as the spotlight seemed to wane, Ridley staged a remarkable comeback in 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, logging 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and scoring eight touchdowns.
Ridley's comeback was swiftly followed by a substantial four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging an impressive $23 million annually. Such a trajectory from suspension to securing one of the league's significant contracts speaks volumes about Ridley's resilience and talent.
Stefon Diggs' Transition
Another intriguing storyline is Stefon Diggs, whose performance last season with the Buffalo Bills was a tale of two halves. Diggs started strong, recording 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games. However, his performance dipped, failing to secure a single 100-yard game in the subsequent 11 matches. His postseason was equally underwhelming with 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns over two games. The offseason brought a significant change as Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans in March. As part of the deal, the Texans received Diggs, a 2024 fourth-round pick, and a 2025 fifth-round pick, while the Bills secured a 2025 second-round pick. Additionally, Diggs' contract was restructured, raising his 2024 salary to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Nick Chubb's Injury Woes and Triumphs
Nick Chubb's career faced a severe setback two games into the 2023 season when he suffered a devastating left knee injury, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This injury was reminiscent of his past, having previously torn his LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015 during his tenure at the University of Georgia. Despite these challenges, Chubb's 2022 highlight was a career-high 1,525 rushing yards. The Cleveland Browns secured Chubb with a revised contract, ensuring a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with potential earnings totalling $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins' Franchise Tag
The Cincinnati Bengals have their own narrative woven around wide receiver Tee Higgins, whose 2023 season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 12 games. Higgins managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. Despite these setbacks, the Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins, valuing him at $21.816 million. Interestingly, Higgins requested a trade following the franchise designation, a move that adds further intrigue to his future in Cincinnati. Notably, the Bengals are also planning a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase.
Ronnie Stanley and Kyle Pitts: Contracts and Comebacks
Ronnie Stanley's tenure with the Baltimore Ravens has been a rollercoaster. Since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, Stanley has been plagued by injuries, participating in just 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games. In the last season, Stanley managed 13 games but agreed to a significant pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million. His revised deal includes incentives that could elevate his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million, contingent on playtime and honors.
Kyle Pitts, a bright star for the Atlanta Falcons, made a stellar start with 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie season. However, his production took a hit over the following two seasons due to injuries, managing 1,023 yards in 27 games. Despite this, the Falcons have shown faith in Pitts by picking up his fifth-year option in 2025, valued at $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized moving forward.
Marquise Brown and Najee Harris: Changes and Challenges
Marquise Brown's career hit a low in 2023 with a personal best of 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. Brown subsequently signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, potentially earning up to $11 million with incentives. However, a dislocated left shoulder is set to keep him out of the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Najee Harris has been a consistent force, gaining over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Despite this, the Pittsburgh Steelers chose not to exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for Harris in 2025.
Rhamondre Stevenson and Jawaan Taylor: Securing the Future
The New England Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, with over $17 million guaranteed, ensuring the dynamic running back remains a cornerstone of their offense. Meanwhile, Jawaan Taylor signed a lucrative four-year, $80 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, including a substantial $60 million in guarantees. Taylor, despite leading the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023, has $20 million in fully guaranteed salary scheduled for 2025.
Emerging Stars and Veteran Contracts
Jameson Williams, the 12th overall pick by Detroit in the 2022 NFL Draft, made a notable impact with 24 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns over 12 games last season. However, Williams was dealt another blow as Josh Reynolds departed Detroit for Denver, raising questions about the Lions' offensive dynamics. Williams has a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million, reflecting the high stakes attached to his potential.
Treylon Burks, despite posting 49 receptions for 665 yards and a single touchdown in 21 games, finds himself in a Titans squad bolstered by the additions of DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Boyd. With Ryan Tannehill at the helm, the Titans' receiving corps looks formidable, ensuring that competition for targets will be fierce.
The upcoming NFL season promises to deliver another riveting chapter in the lives of these players, each navigating their unique paths through the challenges and triumphs that define professional football.