Hall of Fame Wide Receiver Michael Irvin Applauds Titans' $92-Million Investment in Calvin Ridley
NASHVILLE — Calvin Ridley's four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans raised some eyebrows, but Hall of Fame wide receiver and commentator Michael Irvin approves of the Titans' investment.
Irvin, appearing on the Rich Eisen Show, expressed confidence in Ridley's ability to live up to a contract that pays him as a top-10 receiver — even if Ridley missed almost two years of football before his 1,000-yard season in 2023.
"I thought it was phenomenal," Irvin told Eisen. "And I know a lot of people are blown away with that (Ridley's contract), but I'm going to tell you something: This dude's got a lot of talent, a lot of talent."
Ridley played only five games in 2021, then was suspended for the 2022 season for violating the league's gambling policy. In 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ridley's strong season resurrected his career.
Irvin believes Ridley's relationship with Tennessee offensive coordinator Nick Holz, who was on the Jags staff last season before being hired by new Titans coach Brian Callahan, helped inform the Titans' decision.
"It hasn't all translated to the football field, but when you watch this dude practice. You watch him practice, you watch his skill set, and you say, 'Oh my God, this is the next great thing in the NFL,'" Irvin said. "Doug Pederson thought he was going to be the next great thing in Jacksonville."
Ridley had 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns for the Jaguars, including two 100-yard games against the Titans. During his introductory press conference, Ridley said that he initially wanted to stay with the Jags, but the Titans offered the best deal.
Irvin suggested that the Titans were smart to compete in signing Ridley.
"I guarantee you the Jags didn't want to lose him. That's how the number got up to where it is," Irvin said. "He has that raw talent. And he has such a work ethic — coaches fall in love with him."
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