With the start of the league year almost upon us, the class of free agent wide receivers is starting to take shape. With Tee Higgins already receiving the franchise tag and Michael Pittman likely to receive the same fate, Mike Evans, Marquise Brown, and Calvin Ridley will likely form the top of the free agent class.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis started the 2023 season on the bench but quickly earned the starting job midway through the season. While the rookie showed some flashes, he struggled to consistently move the ball downfield thanks to a subpar receiving room. After seeing firsthand what Calvin Ridley can do on a football field, the second-year passer wants his team to sign the free agent.
“Yeah, he’s definitely an awesome player. I got to see firsthand him torch us a couple of times,” Levis said during a recent appearance on the RG3 and The Ones podcast. “It would be cool to have someone of his caliber player. I’m sure he’s comfortable with Holz.”
Will Levis Wants Titans To Sign Free Agent Wide Receiver Calvin Ridley
It’s easy to see what Levis would want his team to sign free agent Calvin Ridley. After effectively missing the past two seasons and joining a new team, the Jaguars wideout still managed to record 76 receptions for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns. He did all that while knocking off the rust, and even though he’s entering his age-30 season, he could be even better in 2024. The Titans have no proven receivers outside of DeAndre Hopkins and $80.7 million in cap space, so it’s easy to see why this fit could work out.
However, the Titans won’t be the only team trying to sign free agent Calvin Ridley. Receivers have never been more important than in today’s pass-happy NFL, and finding a player capable of consistently winning on the outside is paramount to the sustained success of a passing attack. While quarterback is the most important part of the equation, a wide receiver like Ridley can make said quarterback’s life notably easier.
Best Team Fits
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers did a terrible job of putting Bryce Young in a position to succeed in Year 1. Now with a head head coach and plenty of cap space, Carolina should devote their entire offseason to fixing the offensive side of the ball. Calvin Ridley is one of the best free agent wide receivers available, and even if he’s not a Hall of Fame talent, he’d still be the best receiver on this team by a comfortable margin. Young deserves a real chance to show what he can do, and Ridley will give him a chance to make it in the NFL.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals could lose Marquise Brown, but even if they bring him back, this team could use a free agent like Calvin Ridley. Last year, the Cardinals had one of the NFL’s more efficient offenses once Kyler Murray returned to the field, and it’s clear that the quarterback was still knocking off the rust. Murray should be even better in 2024, and adding Ridley into the equation will only increase his odds of success.
New York Giants
Whether it’s Daniel Jones or a rookie, the New York Giants will need to do something about the wide receiver position. The Giants don’t have a single above-average threat in the passing attack, and it could get worse with Darren Waller threatening retirement. Nobody could succeed in this environment, and the Giants have the money to sign a big-name free agent like Calvin Ridley. While some Giants fans might be getting Kenny Golladay war flashbacks from a high-priced receiver free agent, Ridley should have more in his tank than the former Lion.
New York Jets
The New York Jets need somebody to line up opposite of Garrett Wilson. Allen Lazard was one of the biggest free agent busts of the 2023 offseason, and nobody else on the roster is worthy of a starting spot. Aaron Rodgers is near the end of his career, and he probably won’t be able to extend plays as easily now that he’s coming off of a season-ending Achilles injury. New York needs another receiver capable of quickly getting open, and Calvin Ridley could be the ideal free agent signing for that role.
Kansas City Chiefs
Before the Chiefs make a decision on Calvin Ridley, they’ll first need to figure out what to do with their own free agents. L’Jarius Sneed is on the franchise tag, and Chris Jones is headed for unrestricted free agency. If both players come back, Kansas City probably won’t be able to afford Ridley. However, if they trade Sneed or let Jones walk, they could use the newfound financial freedom to bring in an offensive playmaker. With Rashee Rice looks like the real deal, the team needs another competent receiving threat on the outside, especially with Travis Kelce getting older.
Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA Today Sports
