Tennessee Titans veteran wide receiver Calvin Ridley endured an up-and-down campaign in 2024. Ridley recorded 64 receptions for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns after signing a four-year, $92 million contract in the offseason. Poor quarterback play from Will Levis and Mason Rudolph held him back.
Just 67.5% of Ridley's 120 targets were deemed catchable last season, per Fantasy Points Data. That was third-lowest rate in the NFL among all pass catchers who were on the receiving end of at least 75 targets. Ridley suffered from Levis' and Rudolph's inaccuracy.
It's safe to say Ridley is excited to play with No. 1 overall quarterback Cam Ward. Ridley and Ward have been building their connection at OTAs. Tennessee's go-to receiver couldn't hide his excitement when discussing his new quarterback.
Calvin Ridley can't hide his feelings about Cam Ward
"From the first day I met him [Ward], I knew he'd be in his playbook," Ridley told reporters after practice. "We're getting on the same page. I honestly want to hear what he thinks. I just want to be in the spots wants me [to be in]. I ask him, what did I do wrong on the play? What do I need to do to make you feel better? I try to pick his brain. It's easy to relate to him. He's fun and easy to talk [about] football with. He's so calm and relaxed. You need that [demeanor] at the quarterback position.
"I just like him a lot, man."
Warning: Clip contains an expletive
Ward has showered Ridley with praise all offseason long, going as far as calling him a "top-five receiver in the league" before the Titans even drafted him in a now-deleted stream. Ward doubled down on that sentiment during Tuesday's practice, calling Ridley, "one of the top five receivers (in the game), if not the best," per Ben Arthur.
The Titans desperately need Ward and Ridley to be on the same page. Brian Callahan's offense lacks proven playmakers at wide receiver outside of Ridley and Tyler Lockett, the latter of which is entering his age-33 season.
Early indications are that Ridley will be Ward's go-to pass catcher this season.