The Detroit Lions may opt to re-sign seasoned wide receiver Josh Reynolds without much fanfare, but they are also considering the prospect of signing pending free agent Calvin Ridley, which could potentially elevate their receiving corps.
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According to CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell, the Lions are among three potential landing spots for Ridley. Podell highlighted Ridley’s impressive performance in the 2023 season after returning from a gambling suspension that sidelined him for the entirety of 2022. Leading the Jacksonville Jaguars in both receiving yards (1,016) and touchdowns (eight), Ridley demonstrated his value on the field. With the Lions fresh from a strong run to the NFC title game and ample cap space, they are in a position to make a competitive offer to Ridley and present him with the opportunity to join a legitimate contender.
Spotrac projects Ridley’s market value to be approximately $68 million over a four-year contract, averaging $17 million per season. With the Lions possessing $48 million in cap space, they have the financial means to pursue such a deal.
However, there are potential hurdles to Ridley’s return to Jacksonville. A clause in the trade that sent Ridley from the Atlanta Falcons to the Jaguars could elevate the draft pick owed to the Falcons from a conditional third-round pick to a second-round pick if the Jaguars re-sign Ridley. This might prompt Jacksonville to pursue Ridley, but at a higher price tag, increasing the likelihood of other teams vying for his services.
Connecting Ridley to the Lions is significant for several reasons. First, adding Ridley to their passing offense, already ranked second in the league, could enhance their offensive prowess. However, Ridley’s controversial gambling past, reminiscent of issues within the Lions organization, adds complexity to the potential signing.
Despite Ridley’s sporadic availability due to injuries, he has consistently performed when on the field throughout his career. Since his rookie year in 2018 with the Falcons, where he tallied 64 receptions for 821 yards and 10 touchdowns, Ridley has maintained impressive stats, recording at least 60 receptions, 800 yards, and 7 touchdowns in each of his four seasons with over 12 games played.
Ridley’s most notable season came in 2020 when he amassed 90 catches for 1,374 yards and 9 touchdowns despite playing with a broken foot. While he has demonstrated versatility as both a chain-moving receiver and a red-zone target, his role as a deep-threat has been less pronounced.
Pairing Ridley with All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown, developing deep threat Jameson Williams, and other standout pass catchers like tight end Sam LaPorta and running back Jahmyr Gibbs could potentially give the Lions a formidable aerial attack.
However, Ridley’s past indiscretions cannot be overlooked. His year-long suspension in 2022 for betting on NFL games casts a shadow over his career, despite his stellar return in 2023. The media and fans may scrutinize his signing with the Lions, especially given the league’s recent suspensions of five players, four of whom were from the Lions, for gambling policy violations in April 2023. Social media chatter could amplify the narrative, particularly with Ridley and Williams, both with gambling-related suspensions, sharing the same receiving room.
Before pursuing Ridley, the Lions must weigh the implications of having multiple receivers with gambling histories on their roster, considering they released two receivers, Quintez Cephus and Stanley Berryhill, following their gambling suspensions last year. Similarly, Ridley must contemplate whether signing with the Lions is worth revisiting his past mistake and facing potential scrutiny from fans and the media.
