Every NFL season brings unique challenges and opportunities for players. As the 2023 season progresses, several athletes have made headlines for various reasons, from remarkable comebacks to significant transactions.
Calvin Ridley's Redemption with the Jacksonville Jaguars
Calvin Ridley faced considerable setbacks in his career, having spent the 2022 season suspended under the NFL's gambling policy and stepping away after seven games in the 2021 season to focus on his mental health. However, in 2023, Ridley demonstrated resilience and exceptional skill with the Jacksonville Jaguars, posting impressive stats: 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. His performance not only marked a triumphant return to football but also earned him a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually.
Stefon Diggs’ Journey from Buffalo to Houston
Stefon Diggs had a roller-coaster season with the Buffalo Bills. Despite catching 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games, his performance tapered off with no 100-yard games in the final 11 matchups. In the playoffs, Diggs managed 10 receptions for 73 yards without a touchdown over two games. In March, he was traded to the Houston Texans along with a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick, with the Bills receiving a 2025 second-round pick in return. As part of the trade, Diggs' contract was reworked, increasing his 2024 salary to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Nick Chubb's Injuries and Recovery
Nick Chubb's 2023 season was abruptly cut short by a severe left knee injury, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus just two games into the year. This came after a career-high 1,525 rushing yards in 2022. Notably, Chubb has a history of significant knee injuries, having previously torn his LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015 while playing at the University of Georgia. Despite these setbacks, the Cleveland Browns retained Chubb on a revised contract, ensuring him a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins’ Status with the Bengals
Injuries limited Tee Higgins to just 12 games in 2023, during which he managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Cincinnati Bengals designated him as a franchise player for a salary of $21.816 million. Following the franchise tag, Higgins requested a trade. Meanwhile, the Bengals are planning a blockbuster contract extension for star receiver Ja'Marr Chase.
Ronnie Stanley's Journey with the Ravens
Ronnie Stanley has struggled with injuries since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, participating in only 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games. Last season, he played in 13 games and agreed to a significant 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.
Kyle Pitts’ Falcons Future
Kyle Pitts, who had 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie season, saw his production dip over the past two seasons due to injuries. Over the last two years, he managed 1,023 yards in 27 games. The Falcons have picked up Pitts' fifth-year option for 2025, worth $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized, underscoring the team's commitment to leveraging his talents moving forward.
Marquise Brown's Year Ahead With Kansas City
Marquise Brown experienced a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches over 14 games in 2023. Nevertheless, he signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, with potential earnings up to $11 million with incentives. Unfortunately, Brown suffered a dislocated left shoulder that is expected to keep him out of the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Other Notable Moves and Contracts
Najee Harris has consistently gained over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Despite this achievement, the Pittsburgh Steelers did not exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for him in 2025. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed.
Jawaan Taylor signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees. Taylor led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023 and has a $20 million fully guaranteed salary scheduled for 2025. In Detroit, Jameson Williams, the Lions' 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, recorded 24 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games last season. With Josh Reynolds leaving Detroit for Denver, Williams has a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million.
On the Tennessee Titans front, Treylon Burks, DeAndre Hopkins, and recent addition Tyler Boyd form a promising receiving corps for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Burks had 49 receptions for 665 yards and a single touchdown in 21 games since being drafted. The Titans signed DeAndre Hopkins on a two-year deal before last year's training camp and recently added Boyd on a one-year contract.
These player movements and contract negotiations highlight the dynamic nature of the NFL and the continuous drive for teams and players to adapt and excel.