Every NFL season comes with its unique blend of challenges and triumphs, and the 2023 season has been no different. This year has seen a raft of significant updates involving some of the league's most prominent players and promising newcomers. Here’s a detailed rundown of the headline-grabbing events and statistics that have shaped the season so far.
Calvin Ridley's Roller Coaster Years
Calvin Ridley's recent journey in the NFL has been a testament to resilience and determination. After stepping away from football partway through the 2021 season to focus on his mental health, Ridley faced another major setback in 2022 when he was suspended for violating the NFL's gambling policy.
However, 2023 marked a remarkable comeback for Ridley with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He posted impressive stats, racking up 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. His performance earned him a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually. Such a fierce return underscores how athletes can bounce back stronger amidst adversity.
Stefon Diggs' Shift to Houston
Stefon Diggs' performance last season was a tale of two halves. He started strong with the Buffalo Bills, catching 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games. However, he couldn't sustain that momentum, failing to record a single 100-yard game over the final 11 outings. During the playoffs, his production continued to dip with just 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns in two games.
This decline led to a significant trade in March, sending Diggs to the Houston Texans along with draft picks in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick. The move also involved a reworked contract that increased Diggs' 2024 salary to $22.52 million from $19.005 million. The Texans are banking on Diggs rediscovering his peak form to anchor their receiving corps.
Nick Chubb's Injury Woes
For Nick Chubb, the 2023 season was cut painfully short due to a severe left knee injury sustained just two games in. The star running back tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus, casting a shadow over what was hoped to be another stellar year. This injury echoed a similar incident in 2015 during his time at the University of Georgia, where he also suffered multiple ligament tears.
Despite the setback, Chubb's past performance has been nothing short of remarkable. He notched a career-high 1,525 rushing yards in 2022. The Cleveland Browns have shown their faith in Chubb, retaining him on a revised contract that guarantees $2.05 million with potential earnings up to $12.225 million. The Browns and their fans hope for a robust return in future seasons.
Tee Higgins Faces Uncertainty
Tee Higgins' 2023 season was hindered by injuries, limiting him to just 12 games where he managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Cincinnati Bengals have designated Higgins as a franchise player with a tag worth $21.816 million, but Higgins has requested a trade, leaving his future with the Bengals uncertain.
Meanwhile, the Bengals are preparing a significant contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase, a move that might influence Higgins' circumstances. Fans are watching closely to see how these negotiations unfold.
Ronnie Stanley's Playing Time and Pay Cut
Since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, Baltimore Ravens' Ronnie Stanley has struggled with injuries, playing just 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games. He did participate in 13 games last season, showing signs of resilience.
In a bid to stay competitive and manage salary cap considerations, Stanley agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million. His revised deal includes incentives that could boost his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million based on playtime and honors, allowing both Stanley and the Ravens some flexibility moving forward.
Kyle Pitts' Injury-Plagued Seasons
Kyle Pitts burst onto the scene with a standout rookie season, garnering 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection. Unfortunately, injuries over the last two seasons have hampered his productivity, resulting in just 1,023 yards over 27 games combined.
Despite this dip in form, the Atlanta Falcons remain optimistic about Pitts' potential. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized, signaling a strategic role for the young tight end. The Falcons have also picked up Pitts’ fifth-year option for 2025, showing their long-term commitment to his development.
Marquise Brown's Challenges
Marquise Brown faced a challenging 2023 season, recording a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. Adding to his woes, a dislocated left shoulder is expected to sideline him for Kansas City's regular-season opener against the Ravens. Nevertheless, Brown secured a one-year, $7 million deal with the Chiefs, with incentives that could elevate total earnings to $11 million.
Najee Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson's Contract Situations
Najee Harris has consistently gained over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Surprisingly, the Pittsburgh Steelers did not exercise his fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for 2025. This decision puts Harris' future with the team in flux.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots have extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, ensuring over $17 million in guaranteed money. The extension affirms Stevenson's pivotal role in the Patriots' backfield going forward.
Jawaan Taylor's Penalty-Prone Season
Jawaan Taylor, who signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees, led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023. He has a fully guaranteed $20 million salary scheduled for 2025, a financial commitment the Steelers will hope pays off in terms of on-field discipline and performance improvement.
Jameson Williams and Josh Reynolds
Jameson Williams, Detroit’s 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, showed flashes of his potential last season with 24 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games. Williams has a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million, indicating the Lions' high expectations for his future contributions.
Conversely, Josh Reynolds has left Detroit for Denver, opening up opportunities for others in the Lions’ receiving lineup. Williams is expected to step up in Reynolds' absence.
Treylon Burks and the Titans' Receiving Corps
Treylon Burks has managed 49 receptions, 665 yards, and a single touchdown over 21 games since being drafted. The Tennessee Titans, looking to bolster their receiving corps, signed DeAndre Hopkins on a two-year deal before last year's training camp and recently added Tyler Boyd on a one-year contract. The trio of Burks, Hopkins, and Boyd is set to provide solid options for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
The NFL remains a dynamic league where player fortunes can change rapidly. Whether battling injuries, navigating trades, or negotiating new contracts, athletes continue to adapt and strive for excellence, keeping fans excited for what the future holds.