Jaguars Mailbag: Tackling the Calvin Ridley Question
Throughout the offseason, we will be taking questions on the biggest questions facing the Jacksonville Jaguars.
You can submit your questions every week by tweeting them to the Jaguar Report Twitter handle or by submitting them here.
This week we take questions on the Calvin Ridley situation, free agency, and more.
Q: Are there any centers we could target in FA?
A: Absolutely. I actually think it is a deep group. Conner Williams is one obvious name, but players like Andre James, Lloyd Cushenberry, Andre James, Aaron Brewer, Tyler Biadasz, and Coleman Shelton are all starting-level players, and it is unlikely many, or any, of them break the bank.
Q: I’ve seen rumors of Jags playing in London 10/13 and 10/20… with 10/13 essentially being confirmed against the Bears @Tottenham Stadium. Have you heard the same?
A: I would assume they play the Chicago Bears in one of their games. Outside of that, I got nothin.
Q: If the Jaguars do not sign Ridley before free agency, what are the odds he resigns with the Jaguars?
A: High. I do not think Ridley wants to start over elsewhere, and the Jaguars can use this time to work out a deal with him but still wait until free agency starts to have him sign it. It isn't tampering because he is currently on their team.
Q: Hey John have you heard anything regarding any potential surprising players who could get released? Or any players that you think have been underperforming in the front office and coaching staffs eyes that have not been mentioned frequently?
A: I don't think anything would really be surprising at this point. Most of the players who are projected to potentially be cut are players that make sense and have been talked about for some time. I personally do not anticipate many surprises.
Q: Who are the must re-sign Jags players before free agency opens up and the market dictates player values? And on the other hand, which players do you allow to explore free agency?
A: I do not think you let Josh Allen go anywhere, obviously. I also think you need to have a deal done in principle with Calvin Ridley before free-agency starts. I would also bring back Daniel Thomas and Gregory Junior on small deals.
If the price is right on Ezra Cleveland, Tre Herndon, Dawuane Smoot, and D'Ernest Johnson, I bring them back. I would let Jamal Agnew, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Brandon McManus all hit free-agency.
Q: With the limited cap space what do you think the Jags can to to clear space and sign much-needed help?
A: There are several players they can look to restructure, but the easiest way is to clear cap by getting out of some bloated contracts. I would look at Cam Robinson, Brandon Scherff, Rayshawn Jenkins, and Foley Fatukasi. That right there would save the Jaguars $33,872,657. Add in Zay Jones and Darious Williams and the Jaguars would save nearly $49 million.
Q: Is losing Calvin Ridley to free agency a net loss or gain? I've seen his numbers of passing yards attempted far surpassing others, is that indicative of too many passes thrown his way or that he simply didn't work in our system?
A: Absolutely a net loss. Ridley had a 1,000-yard season after not playing for almost two years. He should be much better in 2024, and he was already pretty good in 2023. He was up and down at times and didn't meet the giant expectations many had, but do not get it twisted: the Jaguars are a worse team without him.
Q: If you were Jaguars GM, is there any player you'd trade up in the range of the 12th pick, or the talent you'll get in our current slot will be similar?
A: I really think the Jaguars will be able to sit at No. 17 and have a talented trench player, cornerback or wide receiver fall to them. With that said, Alabama's Terrion Arnold would be interesting in a trade-up. Otherwise, the Jaguars are actually well-positioned at No. 17. Their needs match up with the strength and depth of the top of this draft class.
Q: What is Baalke's draft history with the WR position?
A: So far, Baalke has been the top front office decision-maker for 10 drafts in his career. Seven with the San Francisco 49ers and three with the Jaguars. In that time, Baalke has drafted two receivers with the Jaguars (Parker Washington and Jalen Camp in the sixth-round) and six with the 49ers.
With the 49ers, he took A.J. Jenkins in the first round, Quinton Patton, Bruce Ellington, and DeAndre Smelter in the fourth round, and Ronald Johnson and Aaron Burbridge in the sixth round. Ellington (79 career catches for 769 yards and five touchdowns) and Patton (73 career catches for 880 yards and one touchdown) have been the most productive by a considerable margin. In short, his history with the position is mostly unnotable.
Q: What are the odds Calvin Ridley is a Jaguar next season?
A: I will go with 85%/15%. I think he is a Jaguar. They want him back and all signs point to him preferring to return than starting anew elsewhere. The money just has to be close, and I think it will be.
Q: How do you reckon the Jags draft a CB Rd 1 when they have two very capable CB that graded very well when healthy? Hearing the new DC will play to their strengths and he primarily ran a zone disguised as man. Plus if they get a NB in FA like Adore Jackson he wouldn't get hardly any playing time unless there was an injury. I think they have to get the best available OL since it is such a major need at several spots. They can also move down like they did with Harrison if they want.
A: The Jaguars can do a ton of things in the first round. They aren't pigeonholed to take one position. It could be OL. It could be CB. It could be DL. It could be WR. I have simply said the idea that the Jaguars must take an offensive lineman in the first round to improve their line is false because, well, it is. There is a good chance the board falls a certain way which makes offensive line poor value. For instance, I simply do not think they would take a center at No. 17 and I am a bit flabbergasted how many fans think that is the ONLY direction they can go in. They need a lot of help; more help than just an interior offensive lineman.
Q: What is it going to take for Khan to realize that Baalke isn't who he thinks he is?
A: Losing. The Jaguars only have one losing season under Trent Baalke, and that seems to be the bottom line more than anything.
Q: How many new starters will the Jags have on offense and defense for Game 1 next season?
A: I will go with three new starters on the offensive line and two new starters at defense via safety and nickel cornerback. Other than that, I don't expect many, if any, chan ges to the starting lineup.
Q: When Ridley hits Free Agency and the Chiefs sign him to a 3 yr/75 million contract, how many yards will he average ?
A: A lot.
