Jaguars' Jamal Agnew Kicks Off Countdown to Calvin Ridley's Reinstatement
#FreeRidley is making headways on social media as the potential reinstatement for the star wideout inches closer and closer.
Among those excited at the prospect of Calvin Ridley being reinstated by the NFL after applying for reinstatement on Feb. 15 following a year-long suspension for gambling is Pro Bowler Jamal Agnew, who took to Twitter to remind the Jaguars faithful just how close the decision date is.
Adding Ridley to an already improved Jaguars receiving unit has the potential to put them in the upper echelon of the league, assuming Ridley can remain equally as productive. Ridley’s last full season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2020 saw him record 90 receptions for 1,374 yards and 9 touchdowns, a statline that is indicative of a premium top option.
In the Jaguars exit presser on January 24th, general manager Trent Baalke explained the importance of the wide receiver group remaining intact for a second season, while expressing optimism in what Ridley could add to the dynamic.
“That’s really for the coaches to address, but we feel really good about Calvin and what he can bring to the organization will bring to the organization,” Baalke said when asked about the teams evaluation of the receivers.
“We feel really good about the guys we have under contract. I thought that group this year did an excellent job, but the most important thing is we’re going to surround Trevor [QB Trevor Lawrence] with the same cast of characters, if you will, the same cast of receiving threats, the same running back core for the most part. We’re always going to look to insert guys here and there, but for the most part, getting that core group back for a second year in the same offense with the same play caller and all of that goes with it, I think that’s really going to help Trevor take the next step and this team take the next step.”
The heavy-hitting question that still needs to be answered is if the NFL actually plans to reinstate the 28-year-old when first eligible. While making clear that there are still unknowns, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson did express confidence when asked about the potential reinstatement.
“We feel that way, we feel strongly that way, obviously,” Pederson said in January when asked about if there is belief in Ridley being cleared. “It’ll be after the Super Bowl I think before we know.”
