The NFL season is always rife with narratives that capture the attention of fans, pundits, and players alike. As we delve into the latest movements, performances, and challenges, certain stories stand out, highlighting the resilience, talent, and strategic decisions of key players and franchises across the league.
Calvin Ridley's Journey
Calvin Ridley, who took a hiatus from football after seven games in the 2021 season to focus on his mental health, faced a significant setback when he was suspended for the entire 2022 season under the NFL's gambling policy. His return to the field in 2023 reinvigorated his career. Playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ridley posted impressive stats—76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. This performance earned him a substantial four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually.
Stefon Diggs' Trade and Contract
Stefon Diggs' season with the Buffalo Bills highlighted fluctuating fortunes. Although he caught 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games, he failed to notch a single 100-yard game over the final 11 games. His playoff performance was modest, with 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns in two games. March saw Diggs traded to the Houston Texans, a move that included Buffalo receiving a 2025 second-round pick in exchange. As part of the trade, Diggs' contract was reworked, increasing his 2024 salary to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Nick Chubb's Setbacks and Resilience
Nick Chubb experienced a devastating blow early in the 2023 season, suffering a severe left knee injury that resulted in torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This was not the first time Chubb faced such adversity, having previously torn his LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015 while playing at the University of Georgia. Despite these injuries, Chubb showcased his talent in 2022 with a career-high 1,525 rushing yards. The Cleveland Browns secured his future with a revised contract, ensuring him a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins and the Franchise Tag
Tee Higgins' 2023 season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 12 games, during which he managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Cincinnati Bengals designated Higgins as a franchise player for $21.816 million. However, this decision led Higgins to request a trade, pushing the franchise to reconsider their options, especially with a blockbuster contract extension planned for Ja'Marr Chase.
Ronnie Stanley's Pay Cut
Since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, Ronnie Stanley participated in only 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games. Last season, he played in 13 games and agreed to a significant pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million. The new deal includes incentives that could see Stanley earning up to $17.5 million based on playtime and honors, a testament to his commitment to the team and his determination to overcome past injuries.
Kyle Pitts and the Falcons' Plans
Kyle Pitts made an immediate impact in his rookie season with 1,026 receiving yards and an appearance in the Pro Bowl. However, injuries have curtailed his production in the past two seasons, during which he managed 1,023 yards over 27 games. Despite these setbacks, the Falcons have shown faith in Pitts by picking up his fifth-year option for 2025, worth $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized moving forward.
Marquise Brown and the Chiefs
Marquise Brown had a down year in 2023, recording a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. The Kansas City Chiefs signed him to a one-year, $7 million deal with potential earnings reaching $11 million through incentives. However, Brown is expected to miss the regular-season opener against the Ravens due to a dislocated left shoulder.
Naji Harris and Contract Decisions
Naji Harris has consistently surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Despite this consistent performance, the Steelers opted not to exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for Harris in 2025, leaving many to speculate about his future with the team.
Rhamondre Stevenson and Jawaan Taylor Contracts
The Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million in guarantees, ensuring his place as a key player for the franchise. Meanwhile, Jawaan Taylor signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees. Taylor led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023, and he has a fully guaranteed $20 million salary scheduled for 2025.
Emerging and Established Players
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. His future looks secure with a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million. In contrast, Josh Reynolds has left Detroit for Denver, marking a significant change for the Lions' receiving corps.
Treylon Burks has had a modest impact, with 49 receptions, 665 yards, and a single touchdown in 21 games since being drafted. The Titans' receiving lineup has been bolstered with the addition of DeAndre Hopkins on a two-year deal and Tyler Boyd on a one-year contract, widening the options for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.