Calvin Ridley went 686 days between playing games in the NFL. You wouldn't have known it if you watched him against the Colts on Sunday.
Ridley looked as sharp as ever in his triumphant return to the NFL. He made numerous difficult catches throughout the Jaguars' 31-21 win over the Colts and showcased the separation skills that made him so feared during his days with the Falcons.
More importantly, Ridley also clicked with Trevor Lawrence. The third-year quarterback targeted the veteran receiver more than any other player and the two were often in perfect sync early in the game.
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But just how well did Ridley fare? Here's a look at his stats from the contest and why his journey back to the NFL was a long one.
Calvin Ridley stats today
Ridley put together an excellent performance in his return to the NFL on Sunday. He led the team in targets (11), receptions (8) and receiving yards (101) while recording the team's first touchdown of the season.
Ain’t this what they been waiting for?@CalvinRidley1 | @Trevorlawrencee pic.twitter.com/Jx68yWAg29
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) September 10, 2023
Ridley was a monster early in the game and showed strong chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He faded a bit in the second half, but that was to be expected considering that he hadn't played a full NFL game in nearly two years before his appearance on Sunday.
Ridley also made plenty of highlight catches during the afternoon. So, the Jaguars have to be happy with what they saw out of the veteran receiver as he shakes off the rust following his lengthy absence.
This is just beautiful.@CalvinRidley1 | @Trevorlawrencee pic.twitter.com/zAuXTyYUae
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) September 10, 2023
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Why was Calvin Ridley suspended?
The NFL suspended Ridley for the 2022 season for violating the league's gambling policy. As the league announced in a statement, an investigation found that Ridley bet on games "during a five-day period in late November 2021 while Ridley was not with the team." NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that Ridley placed parlay bets on NFL games using his cell phone.
Ridley was not with the team because he was on the Falcons' Non-Football Injury (NFI) list. He had stepped away from the team midseason to take time to address his mental health, missing all but five games. The suspension lengthened his absence from the team and ultimately proved to be the end of his time in Atlanta.
Originally, Ridley was facing an indefinite suspension but he was able to apply for reinstatement during the 2023 offseason. He was granted reinstatement and allowed to return to the league — this time, with the Jaguars.
Calvin Ridley trade details
Below are the details of the Calvin Ridley trade, which the Jaguars and Falcons completed on eve of the 2022 NFL trade deadline while Ridley was still suspended.
Jaguars receive:
- WR Calvin Ridley
Falcons receive:
- 2023 fifth-round pick
- Conditional 2024 fourth-round pick
This trade could turn into a steal for the Jaguars. Ridley's talent was never in doubt; it was more about how he would fare after nearly two years out of the NFL.
Through one game, Ridley has exceeded expectations for the Jaguars. Jacksonville will hope that continues as he continues to develop his connection with Lawrence.
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Calvin Ridley contract
Ridley is in the final year of his rookie contract, which he originally signed in 2018 after being a first-round pick. He is playing on a fifth-year option worth $11,116,000 in base salary; that matches the cap hit that the Jaguars are absorbing as a part of his contract.
Ridley's fifth-year option normally would have been utilized in 2022, but it tolled because he was suspended for the season. Essentially, that made his contract roll over one season and allowed the Jaguars to keep him under contract in 2023 after trading for him.
Even so, Ridley figures to make a lot more money on his next contract if he continues to perform well. He is still just 28 years old and, as he showed against the Colts, he has plenty left in the tank. Soon we'll see if the Jaguars are willing to extend Ridley to give their offense a potential No. 1 receiver.
