3 reasons the Jaguars should give Calvin Ridley an extension, 2 why they shouldn't
• Maybe the team should consider giving him an extension
• Here 3 reason why it's a good idea and 2 why it may not be
2. The Jaguars would build continuity on offense with Calvin Ridley in the fold
This is a no-brainer. Good teams don't let their best players leave. This past offseason, the Jaguars did a good job of keeping together the core that helped them reach the playoffs and earn their first division title since 2017. Even though they ultimately couldn't retain Jawaan Taylor and defensive end Arden Key, most of their starters on both sides of the ball from last year are back in 2022.
The Jaguars' knew that some tough decisions were ahead in 2024, which is why they adopted a conservative approach in free agency and focused on adding depth to the roster rather than making splash signings. Having put enough money aside, they should make an aggressive effort to keep Calvin Ridley.
With Ridley in the fold, they ensure Trevor Lawrence has a bonafide No. 1 receiver in the fold. Leaving aside Patrick Mahomes, who is an echelon above everyone in the league right now, every signal-caller has someone they can go to with the game on the line.
While it's true that the Jaguars could find a potential replacement for Ridley in the draft, there's no guarantee they will. Clubs such as a the Cincinnati Bengals have been able to consistently replenish their wide receiver corps but they're the exception not the norm in the NFL.
Having acquired Ridley, it wouldn't make sense for the Jaguars to start from scratch. Keeping the Alabama product around won't probably be cheap but as the saying goes, why not go with the devil you know?