Patriots Actively Pursuing All-Pro Wide Receiver

The New England Patriots were linked to several players in the offseason. They parted ways with some of the players on their roster and they may need to reshape the entire squad. They need quarterbacks, receivers, and maybe some depth in a few other positions. According to several sources, the Patriots are trying to get All-Pro wide receiver Calvin Ridley.

Ridley is currently testing the open market. He is a great opportunity for most NFL teams as he has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark twice in the past four seasons.

According to Adam Schefter, the Patriots are trying to come up with an enticing offer for the wide receiver. It won’t be easy though as Ridley probably plans “to return to Jacksonville and has been discussing a deal with the Jaguars.”

New England is pushing to sign free-agent WR Calvin Ridley, but sources believe that he currently prefers to return to Jacksonville and he has been discussing a deal with the Jaguars. pic.twitter.com/cmFLgY6aV9

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2024

Patriots can still get the All-Pro wide receiver

Patriots fans could still look forward to an update on this scenario. Jeff Howe from The Athletic noted that Ridley will probably pick between signing with the Jaguars or go to New England. Howe added that both the Patriots and Jacksonville seem like a good destination for the All-Pro WR.

The Ridley topic seems to be really hot right now. NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that the Patriots are still waiting on an answer to their offer. Henry McKenna from FOX Sports added that they may even increase their offer. This could definitely give him a bigger deal with the Jaguars.

“In other words: Calvin Ridley might know he’s going to the Jaguars. But he should wait until Wednesday to see if anyone ups their offer. Because he’s got not reason to settle now anyway,” McKenna wrote.

My Top 5 free agent WRs.

1. Calvin Ridley
2. Marquise Brown
3. Darnell Mooney
4. Gabe Davis
5. Curtis Samuel pic.twitter.com/JU2fcYoXjh

— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) March 10, 2024

In 2023, Ridley caught 76 passes for 1,016 yards and eight scores. He joined the NFL as a No.26 pick for the Atlanta Falcons in 2018. In his rookie campaign, Ridley did 64 receptions for 821 yards and 10 touchdowns. In 2020, he had 90 receptions for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns.

Ridley took his time off in 2021 due to mental health concerns. He saw action in just five games. In 2022, he earned a suspension for illegal sports gambling and the Falcons sent him to Jacksonville.

It’s all a matter of the past as Ridley feels great right now.

“Right now, I feel stronger than I’ve ever felt —  mentally and physically,” Ridley wrote in The Players’ Tribune for March 2023. “On the field, I’m flying. Believe me, I’m flying. That GPS band don’t lie.”