Calvin Ridley and 2 players the Jaguars definitely regret letting go in 2024

The Jacksonville Jaguars are currently one of the worst teams in the NFL. One big reason is that they failed to properly address their roster needs in the offseason. Granted, some of the players they brought in free agency have had an immediate impact. Center Mitch Morse and safety Darnell Savage are such examples. On the other hand, the team's hits weren't nearly enough to overcome their misses.

For instance, splash signings such as defensive lineman Arik Armstead and wide receiver Gabe Davis have been non-factors. Sure, the latter is out for the year with a knee injury, and you cannot hold that against him. But even before he was hurt, he was unremarkable. Compounding the issue is that the Jags' 2024 draft has been a mixed bag.

Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., cornerback Jarrian Jones, and kicker Cam Little have made an impact right off the bat. However, the jury is still out on defensive tackle Maason Smith and offensive tackle Javon Foster. Both could eventually develop into steady contributors but haven't done much of note in 2024.

Looking back, Jacksonville might be better than 2-9 heading into Week 12 if they had kept the following three players in the offseason.

Calvin Ridley, receiver

The Jags traded for Calvin Ridley at the 2022 trade deadline even though he was serving a suspension for betting on NFL games because they knew the kind of playmaker he was. A first-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2018, the former Alabama standout logged over 3,000 yards with 26 touchdowns in his first three seasons. Unfortunately, a broken foot severely hampered him in 2021, and he chose to hang up the cleat.

It was during his retirement that Ridley earned the suspension, and it wasn't until 2023 that he was cleared to return. While he wasn't perfect in his first season with the Jags, he wasn't a slouch either. Apart from crossing the 1,000-yard mark and leading the team in catches and touchdown receptions, he drew a league-best seven defensive pass interference calls. Not surprisingly, the team's brass wanted to bring back the Florida native, and there was mutal interest in reaching a deal.

However, Ridley ultimately bolted for the Tennessee Titans, partly because they offered him more money. On top of that, he implied that he was unfairly called out for dropping passes. Either way, he moved and quickly realized that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

Going from Trevor Lawrence to Will Levis has had a negative impact on Ridley's production. Heading into Week 12, he's hauled in 36 receptions for 514 yards and is on pace to finish with around 914 yards. Imagine what he could've accomplished if he had played alongside Brian Thomas Jr.?

While it's true that the Jags may have still signed Gabe Davis in free agency and passed on Thomas in the draft, the thought of throwing passes to Ridley and Thomas is one Trevor Lawrence would've welcomed with arms wide open.

K'Lavon Chaisson, defensive end

The Jaguars raised eyebrows when they drafted K'Lavon Chaisson 20th overall in 2020, and rightly so. He was a raw prospect at the time, and the coaching staff had him play with his hand on the ground even though he had previously had success getting after the quarterback from a standup position. Add the fact that he was thrust into a featured role when Jacksonville traded Yannick Ngakoue and Calais Campbell, and the sack artist known as Swiper didn't stand a chance.

Chaisson struggled early as a rookie but made strides as the year progressed. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to build off of his strong finish to the 2020 season and was a non-factor in 2021. Things didn't get much better when Doug Pederson arrived the following year.

By 2023, Chaisson had settled on a complementary role behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, and after an underwhelming four-year stint with the Jags, the Texas native left in free agency. He latched onto the Carolina Panthers but was given the boot before the regular season started. The Las Vegas quickly swooped in and signed him to their practice squad, looking to unlock his potential.

It looks like the third time was the charm for Chaisson as he's flourished with the Silver & Black. He probably won't live up to his draft billing but has become a solid rotational player on the Las Vegas defensive front, posting 14 total tackles, 13 total pressures, and one sack in eight games.

All things considered, Chaisson is worth the $1.1 million salary the Raiders are paying him this season. Meanwhile, Jacksonville gave Arik Armstead a three-year deal worth $43.5 million in free agency. He's been marginally better than Chaisson, racking up 17 total pressures, 20 total tackles, and one sack, while making 10 times more money.

It makes you wonder if maybe Chaisson wasn't appreciated nearly enough in Duval.

Darious Williams, cornerback

Cornerback Darious Williams was part of the 2022 free-agent class that helped the Jags make the playoffs and win the AFC South. Although the former UAB Blazer didn't register an interception in his first season in Jacksonville, his 16 passes defensed led the team. He was even better the following year, registering four picks (one returned for a touchdown), 19 passes defensed, and two forced fumbles.

But despite his success, Williams was a potential cap casualty in 2024 because releasing him would free up $11 million in space. As expected, he was let go and wasted no time re-signing with the Los Angeles Rams, the club he played for prior to joining the Jags.

Although Williams has been dealing with injuries, it's fair to say that keeping him would've been worth it. Especially when you take into account that his replacement, Ronald Darby, has been far from great.

It's true that Darby was cheaper than Williams but he's one of the reasons the Jaguars' secondary is one of the worst in the NFL.

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