Disgruntled star wide receiver Calvin Ridley may demand a trade and the Chargers, Ravens could be favorites. Ridley did not catch a singular ball in another heartbreaking loss against the Colts. The 29-year-old was visibly frustrated after catching zero passes on eight targets. However, the team is now 1-4 and it’s becoming immediate that the Titans will become sellers come this upcoming NFL trade deadline next month. Tennessee has no stable offense or a quarterback that performs up to Ridley’s standards.
He may need a new start despite signing a $92 million contract for the next four years. Ridley probably wants a trade since he wants to put himself in the best position to secure a championship, rather than being with a team that’s rebuilding. Tennessee trading Ridley could give them the draft capital they need to give Will Levis a new homegrown supporting cast. Ridley is getting older so he might not match the same energy as other youngsters like Treylon Burks.
However, DeAndre Hopkins continues to be a hot trade candidate this season but it shouldn’t surprise anyone if Ridley becomes a part of a trade situation to another team. Burks himself is also another candidate so it all depends on what best offer they could receive. However, Calvin Ridley may fit better with the Chargers or Ravens to get more opportunities in passing situations.
Disgruntled Star Calvin Ridley May Demand Trade, Chargers, Ravens Favorites
Chargers Need Life
Justin Herbert can’t thrive without having at least one experienced receiver on the team. Jim Harbaugh is establishing a running game unit but he must under that most teams that succeed pass the football. Perhaps, it could become too predictable for opposing defenses to figure out their game plan each matchup. They didn’t get legitimate receiver replacements for Mike Williams or Keenan Allen so they should roll the dice on someone like Ridley.
No one should expect Ridley to make an immediate impact but a chance to shine through more targets. Herbert is still a top-five quarterback opposed to Will Levis, so he probably wouldn’t have a hard time finding him open. Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey are dealing with injuries so Ridley’s presence should keep this offense better-equipped for the potential postseason run. The team can’t depend on journeyman Joshua Palmer and DJ Chark.
They must figure out a way to bring a veteran to ensure this lineup is ferocious again. It probably won’t be the same but it’s an upgrade for a hungry Ridley.
More Firepower for Ravens
Baltimore has one of the most dangerous offenses in the league, especially after signing Derrick Henry to improve the run. However, they didn’t do anything to replace Odell Beckham Jr. so a Ridley trade could make sense. The Titans probably won’t trade Ridley to an AFC team but he could find himself a WR3 role. Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor are still facing some inconsistency issues but Zay Flowers is the superstar WR1.
However, Ridley could complement the entire offense and give Lamar Jackson another weapon to use in quick-slant situations if Bateman or Agholor struggles.
Other Potential Trade Destinations
New Orleans Saints
Spencer Rattler had a decent game against Tampa Bay but it wasn’t enough to win. However, his performance shows that the Saints still need an extra third man to help Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Ridley doesn’t need to be a modern-day Marques Colston but a veteran option for Rattler to rotate around and catch quick passes.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes hasn’t been the same player as last year but he could continue to get worse without Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown. Mahomes doesn’t need a fastest receiver but one to catch deep balls on the field along the sideline. Rookie Xavier Worthy is perfect for slant route situations while Ridley is the man for the deep-threat.
