3 fallback options at WR for the Jaguars after losing Calvin Ridley
• The Jags need to replace him
• Here are their 3 best options right now
Before free agency started, it looked like the Jacksonville Jaguars had a good chance of re-signing Calvin Ridley. Even though the New England Patriots were also making a strong push to sign him, he had stated that his preference was to return to Jacksonville. Then, out of nowhere, the Tennessee Titans swooped in and gave him a four-year deal worth $92 million with $50 million.
Ridley ultimately made a business decision and crossed enemy lines. While the Jags deserve a bit of credit for trying to bring him back, they had nobody but themselves to blame for his departure. See, the team's brass could've applied the franchise tag on the star receiver if they had given a long-term deal to Josh Allen. But because they didn't start contract talks until it was too late, they had to tag Allen.
Now, there's not much the Jags can do but move one. After all, losing Ridley stings but they can take several paths to replace him, including the next three.
3. Mike Williams, free agent
As expected, the Los Angeles Chargers released wide receiver Mike Williams in a cap-saving move. Heading into the new league's year, they were in dire need of space and had to part ways with several key contributors to get out of the red.
But as much as it hurts to lose Williams, there are a couple reasons the Bolts might've felt comfortable moving on from the 2017 first-round pick. For starters, he dealt with injuries the past two years, which severely limited his ability to contribute. Moreover, the coaching staff surely expects sophomore Quentin Johnston to make a leap in 2024.
Now, Williams is available and he should be on demand. Before he tore his ACL in 2023, he showed flashes of the player he was early in his career. Having a penchant for coming down with contested catches, he would give the Jags an affordable option to replace Calvin Ridley.
The Jaguars may be wary of his injury history but they could offer him a one-year, prove-it deal. Heck, they could even wait to sign him until he's close to returning from the torn ACL.