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New England Patriots

New England Patriots

Patriots lose out on Calvin Ridley sweepstakes to ‘darkhorse’ team

Author Alex Barth
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 12: Calvin Ridley #0 of the Jacksonville Jaguars is introduced against the San Francisco 49ers during the game at EverBank Field on November 12, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 12: Calvin Ridley #0 of the Jacksonville Jaguars is introduced against the San Francisco 49ers during the game at EverBank Field on November 12, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

The top wide receiver in NFL Free Agency is off the board. After two days of speculation, Calvin Ridley has a new team – but it’s not one of the teams most-commonly linked to him.

As first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Ridley is going to the Tennessee Titans. The 29-year-old is getting a four-year, $92 million contract with $50 million guaranteed.

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Over the course of the last two days most of the reports regarding Ridley related to one of two teams. The Patriots reportedly made a strong push to sign him, with a return to the Jacksonville Jaguars also viewed as a likely outcome. There was one report Tuesday morning from Jonathan Jones of CBS that there was an unnamed ‘darkhorse’ team involved as well.

It does look like the offers were close all the way around. Ridley ended up with a $23 million AAV from Tennessee. According to SI’s Albert Breer, the Patriots’ offer was $22 million per year, while the Jaguars came in at $20 million AAV.

For the wide receiver-needy Patriots, the next focus isn’t clear. The top wide receiver in free agency is now Marquise Brown, who caught 51 passes for 574 yards in 14 games last year. Mike Williams was cut by the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday but is coming off of a torn ACL and has a lengthy injury history. After those two the market drops off significantly, with no true ‘WR1’ options.

The Patriots could turn their attention to the trade market. At the beginning of the week ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Cincinnati Bengals wideout Tee Higgins has requested a trade after being franchise tagged. Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers is also rumored to be available, but both players are expected to cost premium draft capital.

Then there’s the draft, which includes what is expected to be a very strong class for wide receivers. If the Patriots can get the rest of their needs (mainly tackle) taken care of elsewhere in free agency, they could load up on receivers in the draft. Josina Anderson of CBS Sports tweeted after the signing that is believed to be the Patriots’ plan.

For more free agency updates, check out our Free Agency Tracker below…

NFL Free Agency Tracker, Day 3: The latest as the league year kicks off

NFL free agency is in full swing, and the league year hasn’t even begun yet. We’ve got you covered every step of the way here in our official live tracker.

Wednesday marks the actual start of free agency and the 2024 league year. Starting at 4 p.m. ET, teams can make their reported free agent signings officially official. The legal tampering period has already brought dozens of expected signings, and a handful of trades. Notable players still available include wide receiver Calvin Ridley, tackle Tyron Smith, and defensive lineman Arik Armstead, among others.

Read below for the latest in NFL free agency, as the league year gets set to kick off…

  • Patriots miss out on top tackle

    The tackle market may get going now that one of, if not the top player at the position is off the board. On Thursday night Jonah Williams signed with the Arizona Cardinals on a two-year, $30 million contract with $19 million guaranteed. Williams doesn’t only have four years of starting experience, but has started on both sides of the line.

    Adam Schefter on Twitter: "Former Bengals OT Jonah Williams is signing a two-year, $30 million deal that includes $19 million guaranteed with the Arizona Cardinals, per source. / Twitter"

    Former Bengals OT Jonah Williams is signing a two-year, $30 million deal that includes $19 million guaranteed with the Arizona Cardinals, per source.

  • Patriots make two signings in the trenches

    The Patriots continue to build from the trenches on out. On Wednesday afternoon they signed two linemen – one on offense and one on defense. Defensive lineman Armon Watts joins the Patriots from the Steelers on a one-year deal worth up to $3 million. Guard Nick Leverett comes to the Patriots from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with the details of his contract yet to be reported.

    Andrew Callahan on Twitter: "Source: The #Patriots are signing free-agent DL Armon Watts to a 1-year deal worth up to $3 million. pic.twitter.com/tzMdJEqpKb / Twitter"

    Source: The #Patriots are signing free-agent DL Armon Watts to a 1-year deal worth up to $3 million. pic.twitter.com/tzMdJEqpKb

    Doug Kyed on Twitter: "Source confirms the Patriots are signing ex-Buccaneers free agent guard Nick Leverett.Provides some depth and flexibility on the interior offensive line. / Twitter"

    Source confirms the Patriots are signing ex-Buccaneers free agent guard Nick Leverett.Provides some depth and flexibility on the interior offensive line.

  • Another signing for the Titans

    The Titans weren’t done after adding Calvin Ridley. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, they’re re-signing kicker Nick Folk to a one-year deal. The Contract includes $3.755 million in guaranteed money, and is worth up to $4.13 million.

    Tom Pelissero on Twitter: "The #Titans are signing veteran kicker Nick Folk to a one-year, $3.755 million deal, per source. Max $4.13M with incentives. A big deal for the NFL's most accurate kicker in recent years. / Twitter"

    The #Titans are signing veteran kicker Nick Folk to a one-year, $3.755 million deal, per source. Max $4.13M with incentives. A big deal for the NFL's most accurate kicker in recent years.

  • Calvin Ridley lands with mystery team

    After days of speculation about the Patriots and Jaguars, Calvin Ridley signed with neither. He will stay in the AFC South though as he joins the Tennessee Titans on a four-year, $92 million contract with $50 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. This is the second year in a row the Titans have signed one of the top wide receivers in free agency, after landing DeAndre Hopkins last year.

    Ian Rapoport on Twitter: "🚨 🚨 🚨 Sources: The #Titans are signing #Jaguars star WR Calvin Ridley, completing their FA with a splash. A stunner!!The 29-year old Ridley gets a 4-year, $92M deal with $50M fully guaranteed on a contract negotiated by @DavidMulugheta and Reza Hesam of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/GcKaDQ79RL / Twitter"

    🚨 🚨 🚨 Sources: The #Titans are signing #Jaguars star WR Calvin Ridley, completing their FA with a splash. A stunner!!The 29-year old Ridley gets a 4-year, $92M deal with $50M fully guaranteed on a contract negotiated by @DavidMulugheta and Reza Hesam of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/GcKaDQ79RL

  • Panthers sign cornerback

    The Carolina Panthers are adding former Buffalo Bills cornerback Dane Jackson. According to Tom Pelissero, it’s a two-year deal for up to $14.5 million.

  • Chargers release WR Mike Williams

    The Los Angeles Chargers have to be cap compliant by 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, and so they have to get rid of some high-priced players to make that happen. The first domino on that has fallen: according to Ian Rapoport, the Chargers are releasing WR Mike Williams, making him a free agent.

  • Bucs bring Whitehead back

    The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are bringing back a familiar face. Safety Jordan Whitehead is returning to the Bucs on a two-year deal after playing the past two seasons with the Jets, as first reported by Ian Rapoport. The contract has a base value of $9 million and a max of $10.5 million.

     

  • 49ers re-sign fullback

    The San Francisco 49ers are keeping the best fullback in football. Kyle Juszczyk is staying with the team, as first announced by his agency.

  • Raiders sign tight end

    The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $4 million with tight end Harrison Bryant, as reported by Adam Schefter. Bryant follows in the footsteps of Austin Hooper as a former Browns tight end heading to Vegas.

  • Seahawks re-sign cornerback

    The Seattle Seahawks are keeping veteran cornerback Artie Burns on a one-year deal, according to Adam Schefter. Burns provides solid depth for Seattle, who already have top-5 draft pick Devin Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen atop their cornerback depth chart.

  • Eagles extend kicker

    The Philadelphia Eagles announced Wednesday that they’re keeping kicker Jake Elliott in the fold on a four-year extension. Elliott has been one of the better kickers in the league in recent seasons, and he gets to stay with the Super Bowl contenders.

  • Trade! Texans send DT to Niners

    Another trade: as broken by Adam Schefter, the Texans are trading defensive tackle Maliek Collins to the 49ers. Houston is reshaping its defensive frrnt-seven after agreeing to terms with Danielle Hunter, Azeez Al-Shaair, and Denico Autry in free agency.

  • Trade! Jets get tackle from Ravens

    The New York Jets have found a new starting tackle. According to multiple reports, they’re getting Morgan Moses from the Ravens. Morgan previously played for the Jets in 2021; now, he returns, presumably as a plug-and-play starting right tackle.

  • Patriots, J.C. Jackson have mutual interest

    The Patriots have a sneaky need at outside corner behind Christian Gonzalez. It appears that they could make that happen with a familiar face.

    According to

    The #Patriots and cornerback J.C. Jackson have mutual interest in a return despite his March 1 release, per source. Could be a down-the-line development for the player and team, but something to keep in mind as New England's cornerback outlook shapes up this offseason

    — Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 13, 2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there’s mutual interest between the Patriots and J.C. Jackson for a new deal, despite the cornerback’s March 1 release. Fowler believes this “could be a down-the-line development” for the two sides.

    So, Jackson may not be generating much interest around the league, making a return to New England an attractive option for him. That’s especially considering he could still be the Pats’ clear No. 2 outside corner on the current roster. Pats fans could be left waiting until the spring or summer for the team to find another starting corner.

    EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 26: J.C. Jackson #29 of the New England Patriots reacts after a play during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

    EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 26: J.C. Jackson #29 of the New England Patriots reacts after a play during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

  • Bills add a wide receiver

    According to Jeremy Fowler, the Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms with impending free-agent wide receiver Mack Hollins. A new weapon for Josh Allen, who is going to have to adjust to life without Gabe Davis, who signed with the Jaguars.

  • Arik Armstead drawing interest

    Niners defensive lineman Arik Armstead is still expected to be released and become a free agent. According to Dianna Russini, the Tennessee Titans, who have been busy in free agency, are expected to have interest in Armstead, among other clubs.

  • Patriots re-sign another linebacker

    The Patriots are bringing back yet another key piece of their defensive front-seven. According to Ian Rapoport, they’re re-signing linebacker Anfernee Jennings to a three-year extension. Jennings stepped up in the absence of Matthew Judon in 2023, with 14 starts.

  • 49ers add veteran linebacker

    The San Francisco are adding veteran help to their front-seven. According to Adam Schefter, they’re signing former Chargers and Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks to a one-year deal.

  • Dolphins re-sign running back

    The Miami Dolphins are re-signing running back Salvon Ahmed to a one-year deal, according to Aaron Wilson. MIke McDaniel gets to preserve his RB depth as the Dolphins’ dynamic offense looks to build upon a strong 2023 season.

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    Need a recap of the first day of free agency? Check out our official day 1 tracker.

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    Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content.

Alex Barth is a digital content producer and on-air host for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Barth grew up in the Boston area and began covering both the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox in 2017 before joining the Hub in 2020. He now covers all things Boston Sports for 985TheSportsHub.com as well as appearing on air. Alex writes about all New England sports, as well as college football. You can follow him across all social media platforms at @RealAlexBarth.

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