Every NFL season offers its unique blend of trials and turns for players, with the recent seasons being no exception. Among the names drawing significant attention, Calvin Ridley's journey is particularly noteworthy. After a suspension in 2022 for violating the NFL's gambling policy and a hiatus in 2021 to focus on his mental health, Ridley returned with vigor. In 2023, he showcased a remarkable comeback with the Jacksonville Jaguars, racking up 76 catches, 1,016 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. His performance evidently impressed, leading to a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, netting him an average of $23 million per year.
Meanwhile, Stefon Diggs' path has also been lined with conspicuous milestones. Despite a stellar start to the last season with the Buffalo Bills—amassing 49 catches for 620 yards and five touchdowns in just the first six games—his production waned in the latter part of the season. Over the final 11 games, Diggs failed to register a single 100-yard game. In the playoffs, he managed 10 receptions for 73 yards without scoring, leading to his trade to the Houston Texans in March. As part of the deal, Buffalo acquired a 2025 second-round pick, while the Texans also received a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. This trade also involved the reworking of Diggs’ contract, boosting his 2024 salary from $19.005 million to $22.52 million.
Nick Chubb's career, already familiar with adversity, saw another setback in 2023. Two games into the season, Chubb suffered a severe left knee injury, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This injury conjures memories of his college days at the University of Georgia, where he tore his LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015. Despite these obstacles, Chubb's talent remains undeniable. In 2022, he achieved a career-high of 1,525 rushing yards. The Cleveland Browns have remained loyal, retaining him on a revised contract with a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, along with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins faced his share of challenges too, playing only 12 games in 2023 due to injuries. Despite this, he managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. Recognizing his potential, the Bengals designated him a franchise player for $21.816 million. However, Higgins has since requested a trade, creating another storyline to watch as the team gears up for a big contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase.
On the offensive line, Ronnie Stanley's battle with injuries has been arduous. Since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, Stanley has played in just 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games. His 2023 season saw him participating in 13 games. Stanley is poised for a rebound, having agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his earnings from $15 million to $7.5 million. This new deal includes incentives that could boost his salary to $17.5 million, contingent on playtime and honors.
Kyle Pitts, another player garnering attention, had a stellar rookie season with 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection. However, his subsequent seasons were marred by injuries, limiting his production to 1,023 yards over 27 games. The Falcons have nonetheless shown faith, picking up his fifth-year option for 2025, valued at $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about Pitts’ future potential, emphasizing how he intends to optimally utilize the tight end's abilities.
Marquise Brown's 2023 season saw a dip in performance, posting a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. Despite this, he secured a one-year, $7 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, potentially escalating to $11 million with incentives. However, Brown's dislocated left shoulder is expected to sideline him for the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Najee Harris maintains his consistency, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Despite this, the Steelers chose not to exercise his fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for 2025. Conversely, Rhamondre Stevenson received a notable extension from the Patriots, signing a four-year, $36 million deal, with over $17 million guaranteed.
On the contractual front, Jawaan Taylor received a four-year, $80 million deal from Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees. Taylor led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023, and he is set to have $20 million in guaranteed salary by 2025.
Younger players are also making their mark. 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 play warrants attention as Josh Reynolds transitions to Denver. Williams stands to benefit from a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million.
Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans have strategically shaped their receiving corps. Treylon Burks, despite registering only one touchdown since his draft, is poised to work alongside DeAndre Hopkins and newcomer Tyler Boyd, all aiming to enhance the offensive options for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, the interplay of contracts, trades, and performance keeps fans and analysts engaged, eagerly anticipating the next moves in this ever-dynamic sport.