Re-signing veteran wide receiver by the Detroit Lions might not attract much attention, but there’s also the possibility of…
Re-signing veteran wide receiver Josh Reynolds by the Detroit Lions might not attract much attention, but there’s also the possibility of upgrading with pending free agent Calvin Ridley.
On February 21, CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell suggested the Lions as one of three potential landing spots for Ridley. In 2023, Ridley had a straightforward season, returning after a gambling suspension that affected his 2022 campaign. He led Jacksonville in both receiving yards (1,016) and receiving touchdowns (eight), showcasing a strong comeback to NFL action.
With the Lions having cap space following their run to the NFC title game, they can make Ridley a competitive offer and offer him the chance to play for a legitimate contender, according to Podell. Spotrac estimated Ridley’s value at around $68 million on a 4-year contract, averaging $17 million per season. The Lions currently have $48 million in cap space.
While Ridley had an impressive season in 2023, a trade clause could complicate his return to Jacksonville. If the Jaguars re-sign him, the conditional third-round pick owed to the Atlanta Falcons would escalate to a second-round pick. Despite Jacksonville’s potential need for him, the higher price tag might make Ridley a target for other teams.
