Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon has made impactful moves for the team this offseason. One of the most notable signings thus far was the acquisition of wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who played with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. Although Ridley has shown immense NFL talent during his five years in the league, his professional career has been a rollercoaster. In 2021, Ridley struggled with his mental health and only played in five games. During his time away from the team, Ridley got suspended for the entire 2022 season due to gambling on NFL games. After returning from his suspension last season, Ridley accrued more than 1,000 receiving yards for the second time in his NFL career. Due to Ridley’s consistency through his first five NFL seasons, he can help improve the Titans offense three ways in 2024.
Three Ways Calvin Ridley Will Help the Tennessee Titans
Great Receiver Targets for Will Levis
Titans quarterback Levis showed some promise during his rookie season last year, but he has plenty to prove during his second year. The Titans signing Ridley will help Levis immensely in the passing attack next season because he will have another elite receiver option alongside DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins has played 11 NFL seasons thus far and has been a top-tier receiver for most of his career. With the acquisition of Ridley this offseason, Hopkins will have more opportunities in man-to-man coverage because of the receiving threat that Ridley provides. Similarly, Ridley will have his fair share of chances due to the presence of Hopkins on the other side of the field. With these two receiving options and the progression of Levis this offseason, the Titans passing attack can become a mainstay for the offense in 2024.
Ridley Can Help Develop Wide Receiver Treylon Burks
Burks is still a young receiver, as he is entering his third season in 2024. Burks showed potential in his rookie campaign, obtaining over 400 yards through 11 games. Last season was much worse for Burks statistically, and he has struggled to stay healthy during his NFL career. However, Burks will have the chance to improve under the guidance of both Hopkins and Ridley in 2024. Additionally, Burks will have less pressure to perform well each game because Ridley and Hopkins will likely receive most of the targets. This upcoming season is imperative for Burks to return to his rookie form, as he has the skill set to become a great NFL receiver. With the presence of two elite receivers in the locker room, Burks should be able to learn and improve this offseason.
Ridley Can Assist the Running Attack
Since the Titans will have a much more potent passing game with Ridley in 2024, there should be more lanes for running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Although the Titans lost star running back Derrick Henry to the Baltimore Ravens this offseason, the Titans signed an adequate replacement in Pollard. Spears also showcased his capabilities as a pass catcher out of the backfield, which could assist Ridley and Hopkins in the passing game. Therefore, the Titans can have a complementary offense that did not exist the past few seasons. The team’s offensive identity for years was running the ball with Henry, but the acquisition of Ridley will help balance the offense.
Main Photo: Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean-USA TODAY NETWORK
