Why re-signing WR Calvin Ridley will prove very costly for Jaguars

Last offseason, the Jaguars traded for WR Calvin Ridley, who was suspended during the 2022 season for betting on NFL games in 2021. They took a chance on him, and it certainly paid dividends.

However, if Jacksonville wants to keep the 29-year-old on its roster in 2024 and beyond, it will have to pay more than just money.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, if the Jaguars re-sign Ridley, they would owe their second-round pick (No. 48) to the Falcons as part of the conditions for their trade last year.

Atlanta currently has a third-round pick (No. 78) via Jacksonville, but that conditional pick will change to a second-round pick if the team strikes a long-term deal with Ridley.

It's quite a difficult decision for the Jaguars after Ridley exceeded expectations in 2023. The former No. 26 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft led the team in receiving yards (1,016) and receiving touchdowns (eight) this season.

But Jacksonville must determine if Ridley, who will turn 30 next season, is worth more money and another high draft pick.

The WR is expected to receive a four-year, $68.2 million contract ($17M per year) this offseason, per Spotrac.

If Jacksonville's second-round pick wasn't attached to re-signing Ridley, it would be a no-brainer after establishing himself as their No. 1 wide receiver. But they will have to search for a new No. 1 if they deem it too costly.

There is a strong argument for both sides, but the most logical for Jacksonville's future would be to use its second-round pick on a wide receiver who would be much younger and cheaper. 

Of course, there is a risk that the rookie doesn't work out, but the team still has wide receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones under contract just in case.

Nonetheless, the Jaguars have a very difficult decision to make in the coming weeks and the Falcons are surely hoping the two sides can come to an agreement on a new deal that's just too good to pass up.