ESPN Clears Up Parameters of Calvin Ridley Trade Between Falcons and Jaguars

Finally, we can put to rest the question of what the Jaguars have to give up for Calvin Ridley if he is re-signed.

There has been much debate among fan bases in recent weeks when it comes to Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley.

With both general manager Trent Baalke and quarterback Trevor Lawrence singing Ridley's praises over the last month, droves of Atlanta Falcons fans have presumed the chances of the Jaguars giving up their 2024 second-round pick are high. 

That might not be the exact reality, though. As we have reported for the last several months, the Ridley trade between the Falcons and Jaguars has a caveat. 

The Falcons already own the Jaguars' third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft due to playing time and production marks that Ridley hit in 2023. No matter what happens with Ridley over the next several months, the Falcons own that pick. Nothing can change that. 

But what about the Jaguars' second-round pick? That one is a bit trickier. 

In essence, the Jaguars owe the Falcons their second-round pick if they extend Ridley. The emphasis is on the word "extend", though. 

Ridley can return to the Jaguars without a contract extension, because he would technically be joining as a free agent if he signs a deal after the league year begins on March 13 at 4 p.m. 

In the event Ridley becomes a free agent in March and still returns to the Jaguars on a new deal, the Jaguars keep their second-round pick. 

Don't believe us? Then take the word of ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, who reported the same in an ESPN story on each team's Super Bowl window. 

"Much of the Jaguars' early offseason centers around two top free agents: Pass-rusher Josh Allen and wide receiver Calvin Ridley. Jacksonville plans to keep both. It also planned to keep offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor last year, until the price point reached $20 million per year. To avoid that happening again, Jacksonville might have no choice but to franchise-tag Allen, who set a franchise record with 17.5 sacks. That places the Jaguars in a tricky predicament with Ridley," Fowler said. 

"Per terms of the 2022 trade with Atlanta to acquire Ridley, Jacksonville's third-round pick due to Atlanta turns into a second-rounder if Jacksonville extends Ridley's contract. That's why Jacksonville would need to wait until after the new league year begins to avoid giving up a second, because at that point any deal would be a free agency signing and not an extension. But that gives Ridley time to talk with other teams during the negotiating window, unless he and Jacksonville can work out a loose agreement and wait."

In short, the Jaguars can retain Ridley and keep their second-round pick. And it seems more and more likely that this will be the scenario the Jaguars opt for, even if it means taking the risk of losing Ridley in free-agency.