The New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly in a serious battle to sign the best wide receiver left in NFL free agency.
Day 1 of free agency on Monday was highly active and delivered some major signings, including Minnesota Vikings star quarterback Kirk Cousins taking his talents to the Atlanta Falcons. However, even before the market opened this week, several star pass catchers were taken off the board.
Before free agency began the Cincinnati Bengals used their franchise tag on Tee Higgins — and are expected to trade him. The Indianapolis Colts gave WR1 Michael Pittman Jr. a new three-year deal, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-signed team legend Mike Evans.
- Calvin Ridley stats (2023): 76 catches, 1,016 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns, 13.4 yards per catch
Those three stars were viewed as the top receivers in this year’s market. Now, on many free-agent boards, Calvin Ridley is seen as the best player at his position left on the open market and two specific teams look to be the favorites to land his services for 2024 and beyond.
On Tuesday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Patriots are “pushing” to use their boatload of cap space on the five-year veteran. However, his current team — the Jaguars — is his preferred destination, according to sources, and he is currently in contract negotiations with the organization.
The New England Patriots have the most cap space currently in the league at $78 million (via Over The Cap), which means they could offer the 29-year-old the most money. The Jacksonville Jaguars remained loyal to Ridley after he missed the 2022 season due to a year-long suspension for sports betting. He rewarded them with a big season in 2023 and he may be looking to show similar loyalty in free agency this year.
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