Every NFL season brings its share of challenges and opportunities, a reality highlighted by the recent journeys of several standout players. In a league where consistency is as prized as explosiveness, players like Calvin Ridley, Stefon Diggs, and Nick Chubb exemplify both the highs and lows of professional football.
Calvin Ridley's Resurgence
After a tumultuous period precluded by a suspension under the NFL's gambling policy and a personal hiatus for mental health in 2021, Calvin Ridley made a striking comeback in 2023. Signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ridley posted impressive stats: 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. This performance marked a significant turnaround, culminating in a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually.
Stefon Diggs' Roller-Coaster Year
Meanwhile, Stefon Diggs had a season of stark contrasts with the Buffalo Bills. He started strong, catching 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games. However, his production dwindled over the final 11 games, during which he failed to secure a single 100-yard game. Diggs' playoff performance similarly underwhelmed, with 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns across two games.
In a surprising off-season move, Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans in March, a deal that also sent a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick to Houston. The Bills received a 2025 second-round pick in return. As part of the trade, Diggs' contract was reworked, increasing his 2024 salary to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Nick Chubb's Battle with Injuries
Nick Chubb's career faced another detour due to a severe left knee injury just two games into the 2023 season, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This injury followed a banner year in 2022, where he set a career-high with 1,525 rushing yards. Unfortunately, Chubb's battles with knee injuries began in 2015 during his tenure at the University of Georgia, where he tore his LCL, MCL, and PCL.
The Cleveland Browns have retained Chubb on a revised contract, guaranteeing him $2.05 million with potential earnings up to $12.225 million, reflecting their continued faith in his abilities despite his injury history.
Tee Higgins and the Bengals' Future
Tee Higgins' 2023 season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 12 games. He still managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Bengals responded by designating Higgins as a franchise player for $21.816 million. However, Higgins has requested a trade following the franchise tag, adding another layer of complexity to the Bengals' plans, especially as they prepare for a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase.
Ronnie Stanley's Struggles and Adjustments
Since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, Ronnie Stanley has faced numerous injury challenges, participating in only 26 out of a potential 61 regular-season games. In the 2023 season, he appeared in 13 games. In a bid to provide the team with financial flexibility, Stanley agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million. His new deal includes incentives that could boost his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Kyle Pitts' Enduring Potential
Kyle Pitts emerged as a bright star with 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie season. However, injuries have curtailed his production over the past two seasons, during which he managed 1,023 yards over 27 games. Despite this dip, the Falcons have picked up his fifth-year option in 2025, worth $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris has expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized moving forward.
Marquise Brown and Najee Harris
Marquise Brown faced a challenging 2023 season, registering a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. His fortunes may change with a new one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City, which includes potential earnings up to $11 million with incentives. However, Brown's dislocated left shoulder is expected to keep him out of the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
NFL stalwart Najee Harris has consistently gained over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Nevertheless, the Steelers opted not to exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for Harris in 2025, indicating uncertainty about his long-term future with the team.
Contract Moves and Future Outlooks
Rhamondre Stevenson earned a four-year, $36 million extension with the Patriots, featuring over $17 million guaranteed, showcasing their commitment to his contribution. Jawaan Taylor, despite leading the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023, secured a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees and $20 million fully guaranteed for 2025.
Jameson Williams, the Detroit Lions' 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, showed promise with 24 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games last season. With Josh Reynolds departing for Denver, Williams steps into a larger role, backed by a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million.
The Tennessee Titans have bolstered their receiving corps by signing DeAndre Hopkins and adding Tyler Boyd on a one-year contract. Paired with Treylon Burks, who has posted 49 receptions for 665 yards and a single touchdown in 21 games since being drafted, the Titans' offense is poised to support quarterback Ryan Tannehill with a versatile array of passing options.
In the relentless and ever-changing landscape of the NFL, players' fortunes can shift dramatically between seasons. This year’s stories of resilience, adaptation, and strategic financial planning underline the dynamic nature of the sport. As teams and players adjust to new realities, the upcoming season promises to be as unpredictable as it is exciting.