The Tennessee Titans made a huge splash in free agency, signing Calvin Ridley to a four-year deal worth $92 million, including $50 million guaranteed. People had plenty to say about the Titans making this move, with the loudest comments being how the Titans overpaid for the former first-round pick.
Well, after seeing what the Minnesota Vikings signed Justin Jefferson to (four years, $140 million with $110 million guaranteed), the Titans got themselves a steal. This isn't to say that Jefferson didn't deserve his massive payday, but it goes to show that the Titans didn't overpay for Ridley, this is simply what great receivers are going for these days and Ridley is a great receiver.
In 2023 with the Jaguars, Ridley had 76 catches for 1,016 yards and this was done despite Trevor Lawrence not being healthy for all 17 regular season games. The Titans stole Ridley right from under the Jags too, making the deal even sweeter. It's always fun to steal a key player from a division rival and the Titans did just that. They got better while weakening one of their biggest foes.
Titans made the right decision by signing Calvin Ridley
Adding Ridley gave the Titans one heck of a receiving group. Not only is Ridley coming off a 1,000-yard season in Jacksonville but the Titans also have DeAndre Hopkins, who also had 1,000+ yards last year, Treylon Burks entering a crucial third season, and Tyler Boyd, who used to ball out for the Bengals.
The Titans did everything they could in ensuring that Will Levis would have weapons to throw to in a key sophomore season for him. Paying Ridley as much as they did was worth it so that Levis would have plenty of reliable targets.
Now seeing Jefferson's contract, the Titans' deal for Ridley looks like chump change in comparison. Let's hope Ridley rewards them for bringing him in on that deal.