Image Credit: (Jason Getz/USA Today Sports)
Written by: Nicholas Mullick Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-mullick-354076184/
Twitter: @nicholasmullick
One team that was very active during the trade deadline was the Atlanta Falcons. They made 3 trades at this time and one of them involved WR Calvin Ridley. In this trade the Atlanta Falcons made the move to trade Calvin Ridley to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The details of this trade are down below.
Trade Details
Jacksonville Jaguars Acquire: WR Calvin Ridley Atlanta Falcons Acquire: 2023 5th Round Picks and A conditional 2024 4th Round Pick
Conditions of the Pick are down below.
Jacksonville Jaguars Side
It looks like the Jaguars are trying to play the long game range by acquiring Calvin Ridley via trade. I don’t blame them for it as the Jaguars are clearly going nowhere this season and are on the tank. I got to be honest, this has a boom or bust potential for me. This could heavily benefit as the Jags need to surround Trevor Lawrence with as many receivers as they can and Ridley has shown his talent on the field. However with the missing around a season and a half, Ridley may be extremely rusty and is not going to be the same player he was. I think the compensation is definitely fair knowing the situation that Ridley is in. Luckily Ridley’s contract does not expire until 2024, so 2023 is going to be a very big prove it year for him.
Atlanta Falcons Side
I was not surprised Ridley was traded, but the timing was a shocker. Let's be real, even if the whole gambling situation with Ridley did not happen, he was never going to play another game for the Atlanta Falcons ever again. When Ridley decided to step away from the game to focus on his mental health there were already rumors of Ridley likely not coming back in Atlanta. I Remember the Falcons originally had a deal set with the Philadelphia Eagles where they were going to trade Ridley for I believe it was for a 1st round pick. Unfortunately due to Ridley’s suspension due to gambling the deal fell through.
While it was not a shock seeing Ridley traded, I feel like it is a bit of a mistake. Especially as the Falcons have been a lot better than expected this year and Ridley would have been an added jolt to this offense. The Falcons need a receiver desperately. Drake London their 1st round pick has been solid, but needs more time to develop and excluding Olamide Zaccheaus their receiving core has not impressed me at all. TE Kyle Pitts has disappointed especially mainly due to how he has not been utilized properly. The Falcons kind of need a receiver and Ridley could have been that guy. But again, I don’t blame Atlanta for making the deal and getting draft picks to help build this team.
Grades for Calvin Ridley Trade Jacksonville Jaguars A-
Atlanta Falcons B+
This is a win-win deal for both teams, but I am slightly leaning with the Jaguars here as not only could this be a big boom for the Jags offense, but if it does not work then they could sacrifice a mid round pick. The Falcons didn't lose as it was clear Ridley was never going to return playing with them, but he could have been a solid part of the team. Overall great move by Jacksonville Jaguars GM Trent Baalke and Atlanta Falcons GM Terry Fontenot. As always I hope this works out for everyone including Calvin Ridley.