Every NFL season brings unique challenges and opportunities, shaping the careers of players in unexpected ways.
Calvin Ridley, who spent the 2022 season suspended under the NFL's gambling policy, has been a different man since his return. Stepping away from football after just seven games in the 2021 season to focus on his mental health, Ridley has made a significant comeback. In 2023, Ridley posted impressive stats with the Jacksonville Jaguars: 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. His resurgence earned him a four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually.
Stefon Diggs: From Buffalo to Houston
Stefon Diggs' journey took an unexpected turn after an up-and-down season with the Buffalo Bills. Diggs caught 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games, but he didn't have a single 100-yard game over the final 11 games of last season. In the playoffs, he tallied 10 receptions for 73 yards with no touchdowns across two games. Subsequently, Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans in March, along with a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. The Bills received a 2025 second-round pick in exchange. As part of the trade, Diggs' contract was reworked, increasing his salary for 2024 to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Injury Struggles and Returns
Nick Chubb faced a devastating blow two games into the 2023 season, suffering a severe left knee injury that included tears to his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This wasn't Chubb's first battle with knee injuries; he previously tore his LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015 while at the University of Georgia. Despite these setbacks, Chubb had a career-high 1,525 rushing yards in 2022. The Cleveland Browns have kept faith in him, retaining Chubb on a revised contract that ensures him a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins also struggled with injuries, which limited him to just 12 games in 2023. Even so, he managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Bengals designated Higgins as a franchise player for $21.816 million, leading to Higgins requesting a trade after receiving the franchise tag. Meanwhile, the Bengals are also planning a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase.
Key Player Contracts and Movements
Ronnie Stanley's tenure has been overshadowed by injuries, managing to participate in only 26 of 61 possible regular-season games since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020. Last season, Stanley played 13 games and agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million. His new deal includes incentives that could boost his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
For Kyle Pitts, early career success has been marred by recent injuries. With 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie season, Pitts' production dipped over the last two seasons due to various injuries, accumulating 1,023 yards in 27 games. The Falcons have exercised his fifth-year option for 2025, worth $10.878 million.
Marquise Brown signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City, with incentives potentially increasing his earnings to $11 million. However, a dislocated left shoulder is expected to keep him out of the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Najee Harris has consistently performed, gaining over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Despite his performance, the Steelers opted not to exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for 2025.
The Patriots secured Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed, solidifying their backfield depth.
Emerging and Established Talents
Jawaan Taylor joined the Pittsburgh Steelers on a four-year, $80 million contract, including $60 million in guarantees. Notably, Taylor led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023 but has a fully guaranteed $20 million salary scheduled for 2025.
Jameson Williams, Detroit's 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, showcased potential with 24 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games last season before heading to Denver. Williams has a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million.
The Titans have assembled a strong receiving corps for quarterback Ryan Tannehill, integrating talents like Treylon Burks, DeAndre Hopkins, and the freshly signed Tyler Boyd. Despite a modest start, Burks has contributed 49 receptions, 665 yards, and a single touchdown across 21 games since being drafted.
New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized, hinting at an optimistic future for the young talent. Such strategic moves and investments indicate a promising trajectory for these players as they pursue robust NFL careers.
