Calvin Ridley’s move to the Tennessee Titans marked the commencement of the official free agency period on Wednesday, as teams initiated their roster overhauls in pursuit of dethroning the reigning two-time champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Ridley, initially anticipated to renew with the Jaguars, finalized a four-year, $92 million contract with $50 million guaranteed alongside the Titans, according to a source familiar with the terms disclosed to The Associated Press.
His addition provides young Titans quarterback Will Levis with another dynamic playmaker. Ridley’s consistent presence was evident in his 76 receptions for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns across all 17 games for the Jaguars last season.
However, Ridley’s availability hasn’t always been consistent due to a series of setbacks, including a broken foot, a hiatus for mental health reasons, and a yearlong suspension related to gambling.
In addition to Ridley, the Titans bolstered their quarterback depth by securing Mason Rudolph on a one-year contract, as confirmed by another source familiar with the decision.
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders continued fortifying their defensive unit with the acquisition of six-time Pro Bowl linebacker Bobby Wagner from the Seattle Seahawks. Wagner’s signing adds significant strength to Washington’s defense under coach Dan Quinn, who has previously worked with Wagner during their tenure with the Seahawks.
Moreover, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco is set to join the Indianapolis Colts on a one-year deal, providing mentorship to Anthony Richardson. Flacco’s move follows his successful stint with the Cleveland Browns, during which he contributed significantly to their postseason qualification and earned the AP Comeback Player of the Year award.
Several top free agents, including Kirk Cousins, Saquon Barkley, and Derrick Henry, secured deals during the pre-free agency negotiating period, setting off a flurry of activity in the player market. With numerous seasoned quarterbacks and veteran running backs changing teams, the landscape of NFL backfields is undergoing substantial transformations in 2024.
Notably, the Houston Texans further strengthened their roster by acquiring perennial Pro Bowl edge rusher Danielle Hunter from the Minnesota Vikings. Hunter’s impressive performance last season, which included a career-best 16 1/2 sacks, adds formidable firepower to Houston’s defensive line alongside AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson.
Amidst these moves, reigning champions Kansas City Chiefs remained active, retaining key players and restructuring contracts to create additional salary cap space. Notable transactions included the retention of All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones with a lucrative five-year, $158.75 million contract, and the restructuring of quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ contract to free up cap space.
The influx of talent and strategic maneuvers across teams underscores the competitive landscape of the NFL as franchises aim to enhance their rosters and vie for success in the upcoming season.
