Every NFL season offers its own set of challenges and opportunities. For players like Calvin Ridley, Stefon Diggs, and others, the 2023 season was no exception. These athletes faced suspensions, trades, injuries, and contract revisions, all while striving to make their mark on the league.
Calvin Ridley's Rollercoaster Journey
Calvin Ridley's journey in the NFL has been filled with ups and downs. After stepping away from football during the 2021 season to focus on his mental health, Ridley faced suspension in 2022 under the NFL's gambling policy. Despite these setbacks, 2023 marked a significant comeback for the wide receiver, who posted impressive stats with the Jacksonville Jaguars—76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
Ridley’s performance earned him a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually. This impressive rebound underscores Ridley's talent and determination to overcome adversity.
Stefon Diggs: A Season of Highs and Lows
Stefon Diggs kicked off last season strong, with 49 receptions for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games for Buffalo. However, his performance waned in the final 11 games, where he failed to achieve a single 100-yard game. In the playoffs, Diggs managed only 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns over two games.
March brought a significant twist in Diggs’ career, as he was traded to the Houston Texans along with a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. In return, the Buffalo Bills received a 2025 second-round pick. As part of the trade, Diggs' contract was restructured to increase his salary for 2024 to $22.52 million from $19.005 million, reflecting his continued value despite his fluctuating performance.
Nick Chubb’s Battle with Injuries
Nick Chubb, one of the league's top running backs, suffered a severe left knee injury just two games into the 2023 season, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This unfortunate event echoed his past injuries during his collegiate career at the University of Georgia in 2015, when he tore his LCL, MCL, and PCL.
Despite these setbacks, Chubb's 2022 season was a career highlight, with a record-high 1,525 rushing yards. Determined to keep him on their roster, the Cleveland Browns retained Chubb on a revised contract, guaranteeing him $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins and the Bengals' Dilemma
Injuries limited Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins to just 12 games in 2023, where he managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. Despite these setbacks, the Bengals placed a franchise designation on Higgins, valuing him at $21.816 million. However, Higgins responded by requesting a trade, creating uncertainty for the Bengals who are also planning a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase.
Ronnie Stanley’s Struggle to Stay on the Field
Ronnie Stanley's tenure with the Baltimore Ravens has been marred by injuries since he signed a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020. Stanley participated in only 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games, including 13 games last season. His new deal involved a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation from $15 million to $7.5 million, with incentives that could boost his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Kyle Pitts and the Falcons' Hopeful Future
Kyle Pitts had an outstanding rookie season with 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection. However, injuries plagued his next two seasons, limiting him to 1,023 yards over 27 games. Despite this dip in production, the Falcons demonstrated their confidence in Pitts by picking up his fifth-year option in 2025, worth $10.878 million.
New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized moving forward, signaling hope for a potential return to form for the young tight end.
Najee Harris and His Steady Performance
Najee Harris has been a model of consistency, gaining over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Despite his reliable performance, the Steelers opted not to exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for Harris in 2025, making his future with the team ambiguous.
Significant Offseason Moves
Several players made notable offseason moves. Marquise Brown, who experienced a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches in 14 games in 2023, signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City, with potential earnings reaching $11 million through incentives. Unfortunately, Brown is expected to miss the regular-season opener against the Ravens due to a dislocated left shoulder.
Rhamondre Stevenson, on the other hand, received a four-year, $36 million extension from the Patriots, featuring over $17 million guaranteed. Meanwhile, Jawaan Taylor’s movement to Pittsburgh came with a four-year, $80 million contract, including $60 million in guarantees. Taylor led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023, yet Pittsburgh secured his services with a $20 million fully guaranteed salary scheduled for 2025.
The dynamic changes continue as the NFL landscape evolves, with each player navigating their own unique path through triumphs and tribulations. Whether through injury, trades, or surprising comebacks, these athletes remain central figures in the ever-exciting world of professional football.