Jaguars' Fred Taylor Praises Calvin Ridley
The craziness of NFL free agency is almost upon us.
With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-signing wide receiver Mike Evans to a 2-year $52-million contract, current Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley is set to be the top available pass catcher when free agency begins on March 11th.
Legendary Jaguars running back Fred Taylor commented on Ridley's status among top NFL receivers during his appearance on 1010XL/92.5FM on Monday morning.
"Receivers are a dime a dozen. You have some receivers that... you just can't turn down and say no to. I believe Ridley is right there in that category. He's trying to get back to that. You know, last year wasn't a bad return. But I think he has a lot more juice left in him."
After missing most of the 2021 season to focus on his mental health and the 2022 season due to a suspension, Ridley's 2023 campaign was filled with mixed expectations.
Despite a phenomenal Jacksonville debut in which Ridley tore up the Indianapolis Colts defense with eight receptions, 101 yards, and a touchdown, a bit of rust seemed to follow Ridley throughout the season. The chemistry just never seemed to materialize between quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Ridley, leading to a season plagued by almosts -- almost-touchdowns, almost-wins, and an almost-playoff berth.
Taylor, like many of the Jaguars faithful, believes that Ridley still showed promise during his first season in teal. While receivers are a dime a dozen, a true route-running technician like Ridley can compromise an entire defensive gameplan while making other receivers more productive.
As Jacksonville looks to recuperate from its collapse at the end of the 2023 season, they will hope to surround their young quarterback with talent. While another tenure with Ridley has a promising outlook in improving quarterback-receiver chemistry, it remains to be seen if the Jaguars will write the large check needed to retain him.
