NFL Free Agency Rumors: Calvin Ridley to Get 'Gaudy' Contract; Teams View WR as Elite

Ahead of his impending free agency, NFL insiders believe Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley will get a hefty contract.

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the expectation is Ridley will get a "gaudy" number when it comes to his per-year average when he begins negotiating contract details.

"The Jaguars very much want to re-sign receiver Calvin Ridley, who had a good experience in Jacksonville, but they know that will be tough if he reaches the negotiating period starting March 11," Fowler wrote. "The expectation is he will put up a rather gaudy number on a per-year average. Teams see elite ability there."

Ridley, 29, is coming off a four-year, $10.9 million contract, but it won't be a surprise to see him receive a much larger deal in free agency. Last year with the Jaguars, he notched 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

He spent the 2023 season with the Jaguars after being traded in 2022 while serving a suspension but could be on his way out if Jacksonville doesn't give him the right number. The Jaguars have an estimated $25.7 million in cap space heading into free agency, per Spotrac, and using some of it on Ridley could be a worthwhile investment.