The NFL is a league of constant evolution, where players' narratives shift with each passing season, creating a tapestry of resilience, triumph, and unexpected turns. The 2023 season has been no different, showcasing a blend of comeback stories, career milestones, and significant trades that have reshaped team dynamics.
Calvin Ridley's Resurgence
Calvin Ridley's professional journey took a dramatic turn in 2023 after a tumultuous couple of years. Having spent the entire 2022 season suspended under the NFL's gambling policy and stepping away mid-2021 to focus on mental health, Ridley's return was highly anticipated. Donning the Jacksonville Jaguars' colors, Ridley did not disappoint, amassing 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. This performance paved the way for a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, positioning him as a key figure in their offense.
Stefon Diggs' Eventful Year
Stefon Diggs' season with the Buffalo Bills started strong, with 49 receptions for 620 yards and five touchdowns in just six games. However, his production waned in the subsequent weeks, failing to hit the 100-yard mark in the final 11 games. Despite this decline, Diggs made a noticeable impact in the playoffs with 10 receptions for 73 yards across two games. The offseason brought a major change as Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans, a move that also included a 2024 fourth-round and a 2025 fifth-round pick. In return, the Bills secured a 2025 second-round pick. As part of the trade, Diggs' contract was reworked, raising his 2024 salary to $22.52 million.
Nick Chubb's Battle with Injuries
Nick Chubb's 2023 season was cut short when he suffered a severe left knee injury just two games in, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This injury was reminiscent of his 2015 collegiate days at the University of Georgia where he tore his LCL, MCL, and PCL. This setback followed a stellar 2022 season where Chubb recorded a career-high 1,525 rushing yards. The Cleveland Browns have shown their faith in Chubb's potential recovery by maintaining a revised contract guaranteeing $2.05 million, with the total potential earnings of up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins and the Bengals
Tee Higgins faced a challenging 2023 season, limited by injuries to just 12 games, managing 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. Despite these struggles, the Cincinnati Bengals have designated him as a franchise player at $21.816 million. Higgins, however, has requested a trade following this designation, while the Bengals seem focused on securing a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase.
Contract Revisions and Incentives
Several players have seen their contracts restructured in light of their performance and team strategies. Ronnie Stanley of the Baltimore Ravens, since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, has participated in just 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games. Last season, Stanley played in 13 games and has agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million, with incentives that could boost his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Kyle Pitts and the Falcons
Kyle Pitts emerged as a significant player for the Atlanta Falcons, impressing with 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie season. However, his production dipped over the last two seasons due to injuries, resulting in a total of 1,023 yards over 27 games. The Falcons have shown their commitment by picking up his fifth-year option for 2025, valued at $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized, signaling a potentially revitalized role for the young tight end.
Marquise Brown and the Chiefs
Marquise Brown's 2023 season with career-low stats saw him recording 574 receiving yards on 51 catches over 14 games. Despite this, he secured a one-year, $7 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, with potential earnings up to $11 million through incentives. However, Brown’s dislocated left shoulder is expected to sideline him for the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Running Backs on the Move
Najee Harris has proven to be a consistent performer for the Steelers, gaining over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. The Steelers, however, opted not to exercise his fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for 2025. Meanwhile, the Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed. This strategic move is expected to solidify their backfield for the foreseeable future.
Jawaan Taylor's New Chapter
Jawaan Taylor, who led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023, signed a hefty four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees. His improved performance will be crucial for the Steelers, who have $20 million in fully guaranteed salary scheduled for Taylor in 2025.
Wide Receiver Movements
The Titans' receiving corps has undergone significant changes, highlighted by the addition of Treylon Burks, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tyler Boyd. Treylon Burks, in particular, has had 49 receptions for 665 yards and a single touchdown in 21 games since being drafted. The Titans signed Hopkins to a two-year deal before last year's training camp, and recently added Boyd on a one-year contract, aiming to provide quarterback Ryan Tannehill with reliable targets.