Report: Titans signing WR Calvin Ridley to 4-year, $92 million deal

It wasn't too long ago that Calvin Ridley was considered among the best receivers in the NFL.

He was a first-round draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons and in his third season he had 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns. Things have gone a bit sideways since then. But now, Ridley is getting another shot to get back on that star track.

The Tennessee Titans struck a four-year, $92 million deal to bring in Ridley on Wednesday afternoon, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. That deal includes $50 million in guaranteed money.

It's hard to give up the idea that Ridley can return to be a top-10 receiver.

Ridley is the second major signing the Titans made after the start of the new league year on Wednesday. The team struck a one-year deal with former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph. Both Rudolph and Ridley will now join the Titans under new head coach Brian Callahan, who was hired to replace Mike Vrabel earlier this offseason.

Calvin Ridley's rocky few years

After that 1,374-yard season, Ridley's career had some weird turns.

In 2021 he played just five games for the Falcons. He has cited depression and anxiety as reasons he was not with the team.

Then came the gambling suspension. Ridley was found to have placed bets on NFL games, including the Falcons, when he was out that season. That led to a one-year suspension by the NFL.

The Jacksonville Jaguars traded for Ridley, hoping that despite a year off he'd be a No. 1 target for Trevor Lawrence. The 2023 season with the Jaguars has to be considered a disappointment. He wasn't bad, with 1,016 yards, but he wasn't the force the Jaguars were hoping for.

Ridley isn't young anymore, either. He'll turn 30 this upcoming season. He could still have an impact, even if it has been a while since we've seen Ridley play like a star. And with the Titans' recent offensive struggles, they'll definitely need his help.