The expectation heading into the offseason is that Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley won't return to the team in 2026. Ridley has not met the statistical projections that arrived with the four-year, $92 million contract he was signed to under previous GM Ran Carthon. The Titans could release him this offseason and create significant cap savings.
If the Titans move on from Ridley, general manager Mike Borgonzi will still be tasked with acquiring a replacement this offseason. Despite Ridley's 2025 shortcomings, a combination of production and injury, he's still the most proven, seasoned receiver on the offense. Investing in Cam Ward's development at quarterback remains imperative.
Nothing has been decided regarding Ridley's fate. The Titans recently hired Brian Daboll to be the new offensive coordinator. Daboll's arrival could possibly offer Ridley the lifeline his Titans career desperately needs.
New Titans OC Brian Daboll could influence the team to retain WR Calvin Ridley amidst contract uncertainty
Daboll is tasked with developing the Titans' passing game into a more consistent attack. He possesses a direct connection to Ridley that could influence how the Titans approach the veteran pass catcher this offseason.
Daboll has been coaching since 1997. In 2017, he served as Alabama's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Ridley played his final campaign of college football at Alabama that season.
Ridley produced 63 receptions for 967 yards and five touchdowns under Daboll's play-calling influence. Though it marked Alabama-lows for Ridley in catches and scores, the receiving yardage total was the second-highest mark of his Crimson Tide career. He was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft as a result.
Daboll also left Alabama that offseason and became the Buffalo Bills' offensive coordinator. It would represent the most successful stint of Daboll's coaching career, as he helped convert Josh Allen from a raw quarterback into an elite MVP winner.
Daboll is being hired to coordinate a successful Titans offense. Ward's development has essentially been placed in his trust. Solving the receiver issue is a major priority this offseason, and Daboll's history with Ridley could influence Borgonzi's decision.