Jaguars WR Starts Process To End Indefinite Suspension
Per Adam Schefter, Receiver Calvin Ridley has applied to the NFL for reinstatement from his indefinite suspension from the league.
The explosive WR’s first day for eligibility to petition for reinstatement was Wednesday. Goodell will review Ridley’s claim and decide whether the WR can return to the field.
The Jaguars traded for Ridley on November 1, sending the Atlanta Falcons a 2023 fifth-round pick and a fourth-round 2024 pick that could rise to a confidential second-round selection if the Jaguars sign Ridley to an extension.
Even though Ridley is still under his rookie contract, he will be guaranteed $11.116 million.
The Downfall Of The Jaguars Receiver
Calvin Ridley was suspended indefinitely before the 2022 season due to his late gambling issue in November 2021 while on the non-football illness list. The former first-round pick played only five games in the 2021 season before leaving the club for mental health issues.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley announced Sunday he needs to “step away from football at this time and focus on my mental well-being.”
pic.twitter.com/q7OOoAKkdV — CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) October 31, 2021
According to the league, Ridley bet on games during a five-day which led to his suspension, betting $1,500 on NFL games using his phone while he was away from the team.
Ridley had 31 receptions for 281 yards and two touchdowns in five games in the 2021-2022 season. He was a second-team All-Pro in 2020, tallying career highs in catches (90) and yards (1,374) with nine touchdowns. The Falcons selected Ridley with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The Jaguars are ready for Ridley to join the team. Doug Pederson states, “We feel strongly.” regarding Calvin’s reinstatement. The unit can contact Ridley football-wise on April 17, 2023. However, reports are saying that teammates are in communication with the wideout.
The Jags Are In For A Treat
If Ridley’s reinstatement is fulfilled before OTAs in April, it will take a couple of weeks to take full effect. The reinstatement would also help the Atlanta Falcons with draft picks, meaning it’ll win for both teams.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are in for a sweet treat if Ridley brings his game and fits in with the explosive Jaguars offense. Ridley will go with Zay Jones, Christian Kirk, Evan Engram, and Travis Etienne. The star wide receiver could easily replace one of the guys becoming a top guy in a Jags uniform.
Ridley is one of 23 players to record over 200 receptions (248), 3,000 receiving yards (3,342), and 25 receiving touchdowns (28) over the last five seasons. Not to mention, Ridley put up these numbers missing an entire football season.
This move gives Jacksonville a No. 1 receiver; not only do you have speed, but you have a guy who can easily beat man coverage consistently and that guy is Calvin Ridley. Jacksonville will be the team to beat in the AFC South, and they could efficiently run away with the division because they’re the best team overall.
How Dangerous Can The Jags Be?
Jacksonville found its identity through passing; they have an authentic running back, an elite quarterback, and a receiver who can get open, bully defensive backs, and run select routes. Ridley is poised to have a great season if he can stay out of trouble.
Adding Calvin Ridley to a team, everyone ruled out last year is scary. Jacksonville finished the 2022-2023 season 9-8-1 and made the playoffs.
This young Jaguars team could be a Super Bowl-caliber team because the talent on the offense could give defenses problems. Their offense was giving defenses issues last year, but the addition of Calvin Ridley should be the icing on the cake for a team poised to run the AFC South.
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