Every NFL season brings with it a unique set of challenges and opportunities for players. Some find themselves at pivotal crossroads, compelled to prove their worth, while others look to rebound from setbacks. Among the myriad reasons for such high stakes are age, contract and salary cap concerns, injury, poor performance, and off-the-field issues. This year is no different, with several players facing defining moments in their careers.
Calvin Ridley's Return
Wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who spent the 2022 season suspended under the NFL's gambling policy, made a notable comeback. Having stepped away from football after seven games in the 2021 season to focus on his mental health, Ridley has shown resilience. In 2023, he posted impressive stats with the Jacksonville Jaguars: 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. This commendable performance earned him a four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually. Ridley’s journey is a testament to redemption and resilience in the high-stakes world of professional football.
Stefon Diggs: From Buffalo to Houston
Stefon Diggs began last season on a high note with Buffalo, catching 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games. However, the end of the season was less stellar; Diggs didn't have a single 100-yard game over the final 11 games, averaging just 51.2 receiving yards per game. In the playoffs, his performance lagged, with only 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns in two games. This led to a significant trade in March, sending Diggs, along with a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick, to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick. As part of the trade, Diggs' contract was reworked, awarding him a salary increase for 2024, bumping his earnings to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Nick Chubb's Injury Woes
Nick Chubb's career has been a rollercoaster, marked by an unfortunate injury history. Chubb suffered a severe left knee injury just two games into the 2023 season, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This came after a career-high 1,525 rushing yards in 2022. Notably, Chubb had previously torn his LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015 while playing at the University of Georgia. Despite these setbacks, the Cleveland Browns chose to retain Chubb on a revised contract, ensuring him a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins' Future in Cincinnati
Tee Higgins also finds himself at a critical juncture. Limited by injuries to just 12 games in 2023, Higgins managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Bengals designated him as a franchise player for $21.816 million, but Higgins requested a trade following the franchise tag. With Ja'Marr Chase poised for a blockbuster contract extension, this season could be Higgins' last in Cincinnati.
Ronnie Stanley's Struggles
Ronnie Stanley’s career, which appeared promising after signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, has been hampered by injuries. Out of a possible 61 regular-season games, Stanley has only managed to participate in 26, with 13 of those games played last season. In the offseason, he agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million. However, his new deal includes incentives that could boost his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Kyle Pitts' Potential
Kyle Pitts, after a stellar rookie season with 1,026 yards receiving and a Pro Bowl selection, has seen his production dip over the last two seasons due to injuries. In 27 games, he fell just three yards short of his rookie campaign total. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized, signaling a rejuvenated role for the tight end. Pitts’ fifth-year option in 2025, worth $10.878 million, was picked up by Atlanta, underscoring their commitment to harnessing his potential.
Marquise Brown's Battle with Injuries
Marquise Brown experienced a career-low season in 2023, with only 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. Now with Kansas City on a one-year, $7 million deal that could reach $11 million with incentives, Brown faces another hurdle: a dislocated left shoulder that is expected to keep him out of the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Najee Harris and the Elusive Contract Option
Najee Harris has consistently gained over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Nonetheless, the Steelers decided not to exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for 2025. To secure their backfield’s future, the Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed.
Jawaan Taylor's Pricey Place in Pittsburgh
Offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor was brought into Pittsburgh's fold with a hefty four-year, $80 million contract, including $60 million in guarantees. Taylor led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023, yet his earning potential remains high, with $20 million in fully guaranteed salary scheduled for 2025.
The Williams Opportunity in Detroit
Jameson Williams, Detroit's 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, recorded 24 receptions for 354 yards with two touchdowns in 12 games last season. With Josh Reynolds leaving for Denver, a starting spot has opened up for Williams, increasing his potential impact. A fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million reflects Detroit's investment in his future.
Tennessee Titans' Receiving Corps
The Titans are banking on a bolstered receiving corps to improve their offense. Treylon Burks, the 18th overall pick in 2022, has had a slow start with 49 receptions, 665 yards, and a single touchdown in 21 games. The team signed DeAndre Hopkins on a two-year deal just before last year's training camp, and more recently added Tyler Boyd on a modest one-year contract. The strategic moves aim to provide quarterback Ryan Tannehill with a more robust array of targets.
This NFL season promises to be a critical turning point for many players, each striving to overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Their performances will not only shape their careers but also significantly impact the fortunes of their respective teams.