Calvin Ridley chooses Titans as next team in free agency surprise: reports

Calvin Ridley won’t be heading back to the Jacksonville Jaguars next season, but he’s instead choosing the Tennessee Titans in a surprise free agent move, according to multiple reports.

All signs pointed to Ridley returning to Duval County, as reports since the NFL’s legal tampering period began Monday said he was trying to work things out with the Jags.

The Titans came in with an incredible offer for the 29-year-old receiver, as he signed a deal worth $92 million over four years with $50 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.

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Calvin Ridley #0 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs the ball up the field in the second quarter of a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

That would be $23 million per season for Ridley, who is coming off a 1,016-yard season with eight touchdowns. It was his first year playing for the Jaguars after previously missing the entire 2022 season for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. 

Ridley, who was traded by the Atlanta Falcons to the Jaguars during his suspension, caught 76 passes on 136 targets last season with Trevor Lawrence as his quarterback.

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While the deal wasn't announced, Ridley's agent, David Mulugheta, who negotiated the contract with the Titans, posted a FaceTime screenshot of himself and Ridley with the caption, "The face you make when you hear about the bag you getting!"

Now, Ridley goes to a less-solidified quarterback room in Tennessee. 

Last year's head coach Mike Vrabel chose Will Levis to start over Ryan Tannehill midway through the 2023 season in a baptism-by-fire scenario with Tennessee not seeing playoffs in sight. 

Calvin Ridley #0 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on during an offseason workout on May 30, 2023 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)

While Levis should be the expected starter entering camp, the Titans signed Mason Rudolph to compete with him along with Malik Willis. 

But whoever is the Titans’ starting signal caller will surely enjoy the wide receivers they get to work with. 

Other than Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins and Treylon Burks remain in place. The Titans also agreed to terms on a deal with former Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard to replace Derrick Henry next season. 

Calvin Ridley #0 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on during an offseason workout on May 30, 2023 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)

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Ridley will enter his sixth NFL season in 2024, where he’s already accumulated 4,358 yards and 36 touchdowns on 324 receptions over 66 regular-season games. 

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