ESPN explains the terms of the Calvin Ridley trade between the Jaguars and Falcons.
Fans’ opinions on Calvin Ridley, the wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, have been hotly debated in recent weeks.
Many Atlanta Falcons supporters assumed the Jaguars would forfeit their 2024 second-round pick since, for the past month, both general manager Trent Baalke and quarterback Trevor Lawrence had been praising Ridley.
However, that may not be the whole story. There is a catch to the Falcons and Jaguars’ trade for Ridley, as we have been covering for the past few months.
Due to playing time and production targets that Ridley met in 2023, the Falcons already hold the Jaguars’ third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Falcons control that pick regardless of what transpires with Ridley over the course of the next few months. That cannot be altered by anything.
But what about the second-round selection of the Jaguars? That one is more difficult.
If the Falcons decide to extend Ridley, the Jaguars will essentially be owing them their second-round pick. However, the word “extend” is highlighted.
Since Ridley would be joining the team as a free agent if he inks a contract after the league year starts on March 13 at 4 p.m., he can rejoin the Jaguars without signing a contract extension.
The Jaguars will keep their second-round pick if Ridley becomes a free agent in March and decides to sign a new contract with the team.
Not convinced by us? Next, heed the advice of Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, who revealed the same information in an article about each team’s Super Bowl window.
Josh Allen, a pass rusher, and Calvin Ridley, a wide receiver, are the two main free agents that have dominated the Jaguars’ early offseason. Jacksonville intends to hold onto both. Jawaan Taylor, the offensive tackle, was also supposed to be retained until his contract reached $20 million annually. Jacksonville may be forced to franchise-tag Allen, who established a team record with 17.5 sacks, in order to prevent it from happening again. That puts the Jaguars in a difficult situation involving Ridley “Fowler stated.
In accordance with the conditions of the 2022 transaction that saw Jacksonville acquire Ridley from Atlanta, if Jacksonville decides to extend Ridley’s contract, Atlanta’s third-round pick becomes a second-round pick. In order to avoid forfeiting a second, Jacksonville would have to wait until after the start of the next league season, as any agreement at that time would be a free agency signing rather than an extension. However, unless he and Jacksonville can come to a loose agreement and wait, that allows Ridley time to speak with other teams during the negotiating window.”
In other words, Ridley and the Jaguars’ second-round pick are both safe. And it appears increasingly probable that the Jaguars will choose this course of action, even if it means running the danger of losing Ridley to free agency.
