Every NFL season introduces a distinct set of challenges and opportunities for players, and the 2023 season has been no exception. Various teams have witnessed significant shifts in their rosters, with notable players either returning from suspensions or injuries, signing new contracts, or being traded.
Calvin Ridley's Rollercoaster Journey
After a turbulent 2021 and 2022, Calvin Ridley made waves in his return to the NFL. Having stepped away from football after seven games in the 2021 season to prioritize his mental health, and subsequently being suspended for the entirety of the 2022 season under the NFL's gambling policy, Ridley's comeback was closely watched. In 2023, he showcased his elite talent with the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
This stellar performance led Ridley to secure a lucrative contract with the Tennessee Titans, sealing a four-year, $92 million deal, averaging $23 million annually. It’s a remarkable turnaround for Ridley, who has proven that perseverance and dedication can pay off.
Stefon Diggs' Transition
Meanwhile, Stefon Diggs’ journey took a different turn. After a promising start with 49 catches for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games of last season, Diggs' performance dipped in the remainder of the season, failing to notch a single 100-yard game in the final 11 games. His playoff stats were modest, with 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns in two games.
In a significant move, Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans in March along with a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. The Buffalo Bills received a 2025 second-round pick in return. As part of the trade, Diggs' contract was restructured, increasing his salary for 2024 from $19.005 million to $22.52 million, reflecting his critical role in his new team.
Nick Chubb's Injury Setback
Nick Chubb's 2023 season was cut short by a severe left knee injury, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus just two games into the season. This was not Chubb's first major injury, as he previously tore his LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015 at the University of Georgia. Despite the setback, Chubb’s resilience remains commendable, especially considering his career-high 1,525 rushing yards in 2022.
The Cleveland Browns have sought to ensure Chubb's future with the team by retaining him on a revised contract, guaranteeing him $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins and Contractual Movements
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 designated Higgins as a franchise player for $21.816 million, but Higgins has expressed his desire for a trade following the franchise tag. Concurrently, the Bengals are planning a significant contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase.
Other Notable Player Movements
Veteran offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley has struggled with injuries, appearing in just 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020. He played 13 games last season 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 see his earnings rise to $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
In another move, the Falcons picked up the fifth-year option for Kyle Pitts in 2025, valued at $10.878 million. Pitts, who had 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie season, has seen a dip in production over the past two seasons due to injuries, managing 1,023 yards in 27 games during that span. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized in the upcoming seasons.
Marquise Brown experienced a career-low in 2023, with 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. However, he secured a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City, with potential earnings up to $11 million through incentives. Unfortunately, he is expected to miss the regular-season opener against the Ravens due to a dislocated left shoulder.
NFL teams have also made significant investments in their rosters. The Steelers decided against exercising a fifth-year option for Najee Harris in 2025, despite Harris gaining over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. However, they extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed.
Additionally, Jawaan Taylor inked a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees. Taylor, who led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023, has a fully guaranteed $20 million salary scheduled for 2025.
The Titans have also been active, signing DeAndre Hopkins to a two-year deal before last year's training camp and recently adding Tyler Boyd on a one-year contract. These strategic moves bolster their receiving corps, which already includes Treylon Burks. The trio of Burks, Hopkins, and Boyd will be integral to quarterback Ryan Tannehill's offensive arsenal.
As the NFL continues to evolve with each passing season, these player movements and contract negotiations highlight the ever-changing dynamics of the league. The stories of Calvin Ridley, Stefon Diggs, Nick Chubb, and others serve as reminders of the unpredictable yet captivating nature of professional football.