Every NFL season brings unique challenges and opportunities for players. The 2022 and 2023 seasons were no different, featuring multiple player movements, on-field performances, and off-field developments that shaped the landscape of the league.
Calvin Ridley's Journey
Calvin Ridley's journey through the 2022 and 2023 NFL seasons has been nothing short of dramatic. Ridley spent the entire 2022 season suspended under the NFL's gambling policy, a significant blow to his career. Prior to that, he stepped away from football after just seven games in the 2021 season to focus on his mental health. However, Ridley made a remarkable comeback in 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, posting impressive stats: 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. This resurgence earned him a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, a deal averaging $23 million annually.
Stefon Diggs' Tough Season
Stefon Diggs, one of the league's premier receivers, had a rollercoaster season with the Buffalo Bills. In the first six games, Diggs caught 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns. However, his production dwindled, failing to record a single 100-yard game over the final 11 games of the season. In the playoffs, he managed 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns in two games. Following the season, Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans in March. The trade included a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick, with the Buffalo Bills receiving 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 Injury Woes
Nick Chubb suffered a severe left knee injury just two games into the 2023 season, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This was a devastating blow for the Cleveland Browns and for Chubb, who had a career-high 1,525 rushing yards in 2022. Remarkably, this wasn't Chubb's first severe knee injury; he previously tore his LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015 while playing at the University of Georgia. Despite the injury setbacks, the Browns retained Chubb on a revised contract, ensuring him a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins and the Bengals' Strategy
Tee Higgins faced his own challenges in 2023, being limited by injuries to just 12 games. Nevertheless, Higgins managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Bengals designated Higgins as a franchise player for $21.816 million. Following the franchise tag, Higgins requested a trade, adding another layer of complexity to the Bengals' roster management. Meanwhile, the Bengals are planning a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase, aiming to secure their receiving corps' future.
Struggles and Triumphs
Several other players had notable seasons. Ronnie Stanley faced difficulties, participating in just 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020. Last season, he played 13 games and agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation from $15 million to $7.5 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, who had 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie season, saw a dip in production over the last two seasons due to injuries. He managed 1,023 yards in 27 games during that time. The Falcons picked up Pitts' fifth-year option for 2025, worth $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized.
Marquise Brown had a challenging 2023 season, recording a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. He later signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City, with potential earnings reaching $11 million with incentives. Brown is currently dealing with a dislocated left shoulder, which is expected to keep him out of the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Contracts and Transfers
Najee Harris has consistently gained over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. However, the Steelers chose not to exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for him in 2025. In contrast, the Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed.
Jawaan Taylor, who signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees, led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023. Taylor has $20 million in fully guaranteed salary scheduled for 2025.
Jameson Williams, Detroit's 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, recorded 24 receptions for 354 yards with two touchdowns in 12 games last season. With Josh Reynolds departing Detroit for Denver, Williams is poised to play a more prominent role. Williams has a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million.
Finally, Treylon Burks struggled to make a significant impact, with 49 receptions, 665 yards, and a single touchdown in 21 games since being drafted. The Titans have bolstered their receiving corps by signing DeAndre Hopkins on a two-year deal before last year's training camp and recently adding Tyler Boyd on a one-year contract. This trio of Burks, Hopkins, and Boyd will be crucial for quarterback Ryan Tannehill and the Titans’ offensive strategy.
As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, keeping track of these dynamic changes and player movements remains crucial for understanding the ever-competitive nature of the league.