The New England Patriots are undergoing a significant rebuild following the firing of long-time head coach Bill Belichick. With Jerod Mayo taking over as head coach and key players expected to sign with new teams, the Patriots will have a substantial amount of cap space to work with. They are likely to draft a quarterback or sign a veteran in free agency and will need to add more weapons to their receiving corps. Analysts speculate that a receiver worth at least $18 million could sign with the Patriots this offseason, which could be a significant step in their rebuilding process.
The New England Patriots are reportedly the favorites to sign star Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley this offseason. Ridley has established himself as a top wide receiver in the NFL since entering the league in 2018, accumulating 4,358 receiving yards, 324 catches, and 36 touchdowns in his successful career.
Calvin Ridley, who spent most of his career with the Atlanta Falcons, posted a 1,000-plus yard campaign in 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, demonstrating that he remains a top receiver in the league. Joining a young team like the New England Patriots could be beneficial for both the team, as they learn from a veteran, and for Ridley, who could contribute to their success on the field, especially if the Patriots decide to start a rookie quarterback next season.
While Ridley has shown his ability as a dependable NFL player, he has faced controversy, notably being suspended for the entire 2022 season due to illegal betting on games in 2021. Despite this, he returned in 2023 and achieved over 1,000 yards receiving.
With numerous free agents on the market, the Patriots may consider other positions to add veteran presence, but the deficiency in receiving weapons is evident. Do you believe the Patriots will sign Ridley this offseason, or do you think he will join another team?
