One of the first big surprises of NFL free agency this year is on the board, as the Tennessee Titans are poaching veteran wide receiver Calvin Ridley away from the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars with a massive contract.
Ridley is getting a four-year deal worth $92 million, with $50 million in guaranteed money, per multiple reports.
That’s a super-rich deal for a receiver who turns 30 years old this season, missed an entire season due to a gambling suspension, and has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his career.
It’s especially rich when compared to the two-year deal Mike Evans got from the Bucs that will pay him up to $52 million, which includes $35 million guaranteed.
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Sources: The #Titans are signing #Jaguars star WR Calvin Ridley, completing their FA with a splash. A stunner!!
The 29-year old Ridley gets a 4-year, $92M deal with $50M fully guaranteed on a contract negotiated by @DavidMulugheta and Reza Hesam of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/GcKaDQ79RL
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2024
Yes, Evans will turn 31 years old this season, but he’s also been far more productive and consistent over the course of his career. Even last year, at 30 years old, Evans put up some of his best single-season numbers to date, despite losing Tom Brady as his quarterback (79 receptions, 1,255 yards, league-high 13 touchdown receptions).
Ridley was solid for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, going over 1,000 yards and catching eight touchdowns, but it was just the second time he’s topped the 1,000-yard mark in his six seasons in the league. Evans has eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving in each of his 10 NFL seasons, by far the NFL record to start a career, and one shy of Jerry Rice’s all-time mark.
Tampa Bay kept Evans with a much shorter contract term and $15 million less guaranteed money than Ridley is getting from the Titans, making him a massive steal for what he brings to the offense.
This is just one more on a long list of massive wins for Bucs general manager Jason Licht and the rest of Tampa Bay’s front office.
