Every new NFL season brings its own set of challenges and opportunities for players. The 2023 season was no different, marked by significant returns, surprising trades, and notable performances. One of the most compelling narratives involved Calvin Ridley, who made a triumphant return to the field after a year-long suspension under the NFL's gambling policy.
Calvin Ridley's Return
Calvin Ridley, having stepped away from football after seven games in the 2021 season to focus on his mental health, made his mark with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023. Ridley posted impressive stats, with 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. This performance earned him a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually. Ridley's comeback story reflects both personal and professional resilience.
Stefon Diggs Finds a New Home
Stefan Diggs' season with the Buffalo Bills was a tale of two halves. Diggs caught 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games but failed to record a single 100-yard game over the final 11 games. His playoffs performance, with 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns in two games, added to the sense of unfulfilled potential.
In a stunning March trade, Diggs was moved to the Houston Texans along with a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. In return, the Buffalo Bills received a 2025 second-round pick. This trade also saw a reworking of Diggs' contract, increasing his salary for 2024 from $19.005 million to $22.52 million.
Nick Chubb's Injury Woes Continue
Nick Chubb's 2023 season was cut short after just two games due to a severe left knee injury, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This injury was eerily reminiscent of his 2015 incident at the University of Georgia, where he tore his LCL, MCL, and PCL. Despite this setback, Chubb’s career-high 1,525 rushing yards in 2022 remain a testament to his capabilities. The Cleveland Browns have retained Chubb on a revised contract, ensuring him a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins Faces Challenges
Tee Higgins saw limited action in 2023, appearing in just 12 games due to injuries. He managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Bengals designated Higgins as a franchise player for $21.816 million, but this move led to Higgins requesting a trade. Meanwhile, the Bengals have plans for a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase, indicating a strategic decision about their receiving corps' future.
Ronnie Stanley's Struggles and Adjustments
Ronnie Stanley, the Baltimore Ravens' offensive lineman, has faced his own challenges since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020. Stanley has participated in only 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games, including 13 games last season. Stanley has agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million. However, his new deal includes incentives that could boost his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Kyle Pitts' Potential Under New Leadership
Kyle Pitts had a standout rookie season with 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection, but injuries have hampered his production over the last two seasons. Despite this, Pitts managed 1,023 yards in 27 games. The Falcons have picked up his fifth-year option in 2025, worth $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized, indicating a potential resurgence for the talented tight end.
Marquise Brown's New Chapter
Marquise Brown experienced a dip in production in 2023, recording a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. Brown signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City, with potential earnings reaching $11 million with incentives. However, he dislocated his left shoulder and is expected to miss the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Najee Harris and the Steelers
Najee Harris has been a model of consistency, gaining over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. However, the Steelers did not exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for Harris in 2025. This decision underscores the often harsh business realities of the NFL, even for productive players.
Other Noteworthy Moves
The Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed. Meanwhile, Jawaan Taylor signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees, despite leading the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023.
In the realm of trades and acquisitions, 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. Josh Reynolds left Detroit for Denver, and Williams has a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million.
Adding depth to the Tennessee Titans, Treylon Burks, with 49 receptions, 665 yards, and a single touchdown in 21 games since being drafted, is now joined by DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Boyd. The trio forms a formidable receiving corps for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.