4 offseason predictions for the Jaguars (1 involves Trevor Lawrence's extension)

3.Calvin Ridley will get an extension before free agency starts

The Jaguars traded for wide receiver Calvin Ridley at the 2022 deadline. At the time of the deal, he was serving a suspension for placing bets on NFL games. He asked to be reinstated last February and his request was granted a month later. Having spent more than a year away from football, he wasted no time joining Jacksonville for offseason activities.

Once the regular season began, Ridley reminded everyone of how much of a game-changer he was early in his NFL career. While he had a few quiet games, he routinely made plays for the Jaguars, finishing the year with 76 catches for 1,016 yards with eight touchdowns. On top of that, the Alabama product drew a league-high seven defensive pass interference calls, showing opposing cornerbacks were aware of his playmaking skills.

Now, Ridley is set to become a free agent and the Jags will have to make a decision on him. Giving him an extension should be a no-brainer. After all, he became the true No. 1 receiver the offense sorely needed in 2022. Moreover, his presence allowed Christian Kirk to line up in the slot, where he's the most effective. You could argue that Ridley's communication with Trevor Lawrence wasn't always on point but that's to be expected from a player that spent more than a year away from football.

The one thing that may be giving the Jaguars pause when it comes to extending Ridley is that they'll need to give the Atlanta Falcons a second-round pick as part of the deal they made to acquire him. Meanwhile, it will be only a third if they let him walk in free agency. The team's brass will be weighing the pros and cons of locking up Ridley and letting him leave. They will ultimately give him a long-term deal, ensuring he stays in Jacksonville for years to come.