Every NFL season brings a tapestry of stories shaped by triumphs, setbacks, and comebacks. Among the noteworthy narratives in recent years are those of Calvin Ridley, Stefon Diggs, Nick Chubb, Tee Higgins, and several other prominent players. Their experiences highlight the diverse challenges and opportunities faced by players in the league.
Calvin Ridley’s Redemption with the Jaguars
Calvin Ridley’s journey in the NFL has been marked by both adversity and redemption. After stepping away from football in 2021 to focus on his mental health and spending the 2022 season suspended under the NFL's gambling policy, Ridley made a triumphant return in 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He posted impressive stats, tallying 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Ridley’s on-field success was further rewarded when he secured a four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually.
Stefon Diggs’ Trade and Contract Rework
Stefon Diggs, known for his dynamic playmaking ability, had a mixed season with the Buffalo Bills last year. He started strong with 49 catches for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games but failed to record a single 100-yard game in the last 11 matchups. His playoff performance was also below par, managing only 10 receptions for 73 yards without a touchdown in two games. Subsequently, Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans in March along with a couple of draft picks. As part of the trade, his 2024 salary was boosted to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Nick Chubb’s Injury Woes
Nick Chubb’s career has been punctuated by remarkable highs and debilitating lows. The star running back suffered a severe left knee injury two games into the 2023 season, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This was not the first major injury for Chubb, who had previously torn his LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015 while playing at the University of Georgia. Despite these setbacks, Chubb’s talent remains unquestioned. In 2022, he achieved a career-high 1,525 rushing yards. The Cleveland Browns have retained Chubb on a revised contract, ensuring him a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins and the Bengals' Future Plans
The Cincinnati Bengals navigated a tumultuous season with wide receiver Tee Higgins, who was limited by injuries to just 12 games in 2023. Despite the limited playing time, Higgins still managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Bengals have designated Higgins as a franchise player for $21.816 million, though he has requested a trade following the franchise tag. Meanwhile, the Bengals are preparing for a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase, positioning him as a cornerstone of their offensive future.
Other Noteworthy Player Movements and Contracts
Several other players have had significant developments in their careers. Ronnie Stanley, the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive tackle, has struggled with injuries, playing only 26 out of 61 possible regular-season games since his five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020. He played 13 games last season and agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million, but with incentives that could boost it to $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Tight end Kyle Pitts, who had a standout rookie season with 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection, saw his production dip over the last two seasons due to injuries. Despite managing only 1,023 yards over the last 27 games, the Atlanta Falcons picked up his fifth-year option in 2025, worth $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized, indicating optimism for the tight end’s future.
Marquise Brown experienced a low in his career with just 574 receiving yards on 51 catches over 14 games in 2023. He signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, potentially earning up to $11 million with incentives, but is expected to miss the regular-season opener due to a dislocated left shoulder.
Najee Harris, who gained over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons, faced a setback as the Pittsburgh Steelers chose not to exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for him in 2025.
Rhamondre Stevenson earned a four-year, $36 million extension with the New England Patriots, featuring over $17 million guaranteed, and Jawaan Taylor signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees. Taylor notably led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023 and has a fully guaranteed $20 million salary scheduled for 2025.
Jameson Williams, Detroit’s 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, recorded 24 receptions for 354 yards with two touchdowns over 12 games last season, while Josh Reynolds departed Detroit for Denver. Williams has a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million.
Treylon Burks, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tyler Boyd now form part of the Titans' receiving corps for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Burks has had a modest start with 49 receptions, 665 yards, and one touchdown in 21 games. The Titans injected experience into their lineup by signing Hopkins on a two-year deal before last year's training camp and recently adding Boyd on a one-year contract.
These stories reflect the fragile yet dynamic nature of an NFL career, where fortunes can rise and fall with each passing season, trade, or injury. The landscape of the league continues to evolve with each player's journey capturing the resilience and unpredictability that make football an enduring spectacle.