Every NFL season carries its own set of challenges and opportunities, a reality that is vividly illustrated by the recent developments surrounding several high-profile players. The 2023 season has proven no different, showcasing remarkable returns, shocking trades, and unfortunate injuries that have reshaped team rosters and player trajectories alike.
Calvin Ridley's Comeback
After a tumultuous period marked by a suspension and personal struggles, Calvin Ridley has made a remarkable comeback with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ridley, who stepped away from football in 2021 for mental health reasons and faced a suspension in 2022 under the NFL's gambling policy, posted impressive statistics in 2023. His 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns have not only highlighted his resilience but have also cemented his reputation as a top-tier wide receiver. This resurgence led to a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually. Ridley's journey exemplifies the highs and lows that athletes can experience and their ability to bounce back stronger.
Stefon Diggs' Eventful Year
Stefon Diggs faced a roller-coaster season with the Buffalo Bills, catching 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games. However, his performance waned in the latter part of the season without a single 100-yard game over the final 11 contests. In the playoffs, Diggs managed just 10 receptions for 73 yards in two games, failing to find the end zone. This performance catalyzed a significant move in March when Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans. In exchange for Diggs, the Bills received a 2025 second-round pick, while the Texans also secured a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. Part of the trade included a reworked contract for Diggs, increasing his salary for 2024 to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Nick Chubb's Injury Woes
The Cleveland Browns' star running back Nick Chubb has had his share of injury setbacks. Despite rushing for a career-high 1,525 yards in 2022, Chubb's 2023 season was cut short by a severe knee injury just two games in, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. Chubb is no stranger to adversity, having previously torn his LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015 while at the University of Georgia. To secure Chubb's future with the team, the Browns revised his contract, ensuring him $2.05 million fully guaranteed, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Injury-Plagued Seasons
Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals also dealt with injuries, being limited to just 12 games in 2023. Even so, he managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. With the anticipation of a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase, Higgins was designated as a franchise player for $21.816 million but subsequently requested a trade. Meanwhile, Ronnie Stanley, who has struggled to stay on the field since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, agreed to a pay cut for 2024. His new deal reduces his compensation to $7.5 million, down from $15 million, but includes incentives that could boost his earnings to $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Falcons' New Hope
For the Atlanta Falcons, Kyle Pitts has been a beacon of potential. Despite a dip in production over the past two injury-marred seasons, Pitts had an outstanding rookie year with 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection. He managed 1,023 yards in 27 games over two seasons, leading to the Falcons picking up his fifth-year option in 2025, worth $10.878 million. New head coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized moving forward, an indication of the high hopes placed on the young tight end.
Marquise Brown's New Challenge
Elsewhere, Marquise Brown signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, potentially earning up to $11 million with incentives. However, Brown faced a setback with a dislocated left shoulder, which is expected to sideline him for the regular-season opener against the Ravens. This comes after a 2023 season where he recorded a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games.
Running Backs' Market Dynamics
The running back market saw some intriguing moves as well. Najee Harris, who has rushsed over 1,000 yards in each of his three NFL seasons, did not have his fifth-year option exercised by the Steelers for 2025. Conversely, the Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed. Additionally, Jawaan Taylor, despite leading the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023, signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees and $20 million fully guaranteed in salary for 2025.
Changes in Detroit and Tennessee
The Detroit Lions saw some changes too. Josh Reynolds left for Denver, while Jameson Williams, the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, recorded 24 receptions for 354 yards with two touchdowns in 12 games last season. Williams has a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million. In Tennessee, the Titans bolstered their receiving corps for quarterback Ryan Tannehill by adding DeAndre Hopkins on a two-year deal before last season's training camp and recently signing Tyler Boyd on a one-year contract. Treylon Burks, another key player, tallied 49 receptions for 665 yards and one touchdown in 21 games since being drafted.
As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, each season builds new narratives that contribute to the league's enduring allure. From comeback stories to career-defining trades, the 2023 season has already provided a wealth of drama and spectacle, setting the stage for even more action in the months to come.