The Jacksonville Jaguars added an offensive weapon for 2023, buying and selling for extensive receiver Calvin Ridley on the commerce deadline. Ridley has solely performed 5 video games within the final two years and missed the whole 2022 season on account of a suspension for violating the league’s playing coverage. Now reinstated, he has excessive expectations for himself in Jacksonville, and it looks as if the workforce is wanting ahead to having him on board as effectively.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Ridley have met up forward of the offseason exercise program that begins April 17. Lawrence was impressed with what he noticed and expects good issues to return sooner or later.
“We have [thrown together] as soon as, and I’m tremendous excited,” Lawrence stated (through The Florida Times-Union). “We’re simply excited to have him. He’s gonna be one other piece for this offense and our workforce, and [he’s] only a good man that we’re excited to carry into the locker room. It’s gonna be a variety of enjoyable.”
Ridley is a former second-team All-Pro and former first-round decide with 248 receptions for 3,342 yards and 28 receiving touchdowns in his NFL profession.
In October of 2021, Ridley made the choice to step away from soccer and the Atlanta Falcons to give attention to his psychological well being, making his most up-to-date sport Week 7 of the 2021 season.
The Jaguars fully turned their workforce round final season, going from a 3-14 workforce in 2021 that was final within the division to 9-8 AFC South champions. They superior to the divisional spherical of the playoffs by overcoming a 27-point deficit towards the Los Angeles Chargers. They then performed robust towards the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs earlier than struggling a 27-20 defeat.
With the addition of Ridley and bringing tight finish Evan Engram again with a franchise tag, the workforce is slated to have one other stable 12 months.
“It’s big. [Bringing back Engram] was a giant precedence for us this offseason,” Lawrence stated (through NFL.com). “So, to have him again at the very least for this 12 months, and hopefully longer transferring ahead — that is very best.
Lawrence is anticipating Engram’s sport enhancing even from final season’s breakout marketing campaign.
“You noticed what he did for our offense final season and the way he got here on on the finish of the 12 months. I believe we actually found out use him the precise means, and he is helped us a ton. Just hold constructing on that, there’s nonetheless extra on the market. That’s the thrilling half.”
Wide receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones spherical out their 4 massive hitters catching passes. The capability to maintain a few of the core group is one thing Lawrence stated will profit them, because the chemistry can construct and so they can proceed to raise their play.
“We’re pumped. We’ll have a superb crew there, and it is such a cool time of the 12 months. Everybody comes again, [and you] get to start out constructing your workforce, constructing your basis. I’m actually excited to start out that with all the fellows,” Lawrence stated.
