The NFL landscape continuously evolves with each passing season, introducing fresh narratives and challenges for players. The 2023 season, in particular, featured remarkable performances, surprising trades, and significant contract moves that reshaped several teams.
Calvin Ridley’s Comeback Season
After a tumultuous period away from the field, Calvin Ridley made an impressive return to the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ridley, who had stepped away in 2021 to focus on his mental health and subsequently faced a suspension in 2022 under the NFL's gambling policy, showcased resilience and talent in his comeback season. In 2023, Ridley recorded 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, solidifying his place as a key player for the Jaguars. His success on the field translated into a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually.
Stefon Diggs’ Tumultuous Season
Stefon Diggs experienced a season of both highs and lows with the Buffalo Bills. In the first six games, the star receiver caught 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns. However, his performance dipped significantly, failing to record a single 100-yard game over the remaining 11 games. Diggs’ playoff performance mirrored his regular season inconsistency, with only 10 receptions for 73 yards across two games. The offseason brought a major change as he was traded to the Houston Texans in March, a deal that also involved draft picks. As part of the trade, his contract was reworked, increasing his salary for 2024 to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Nick Chubb's Injury Woes
The 2023 season brought heartbreak for Cleveland Browns' running back Nick Chubb. A severe left knee injury two games into the season saw him tear his ACL, MCL, and meniscus, echoing a previous injury from his college days. Chubb, who had a stellar 2022 season with a career-high 1,525 rushing yards, remains a key player for the Browns. They retained him on a revised contract, guaranteeing him $2.05 million with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Challenges for Tee Higgins and the Bengals
Injuries plagued Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, limiting him to just 12 games in 2023. Despite the setbacks, Higgins managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Bengals designated him as a franchise player with a tag worth $21.816 million, yet this move prompted Higgins to request a trade. Concurrently, the Bengals are preparing a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase, aiming to secure their receiving corps’ future.
Ronnie Stanley's Playing Time and Contract Adjustments
Ronnie Stanley, the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive lineman, has faced significant challenges in staying on the field. Since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, Stanley has participated in just 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games. Last season, he managed to play in 13 games, and to better align his compensation with his availability, Stanley agreed to a pay cut for 2024. The adjustment reduced his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million, though incentives could boost his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Falcons and Kyle Pitts’ Pivotal Role
Kyle Pitts, known for his standout rookie season with 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection, saw a decline in production due to injuries over the past two seasons. He accumulated 1,023 yards in 27 games during this period. The Atlanta Falcons, nevertheless, remain committed to Pitts, picking up his fifth-year option in 2025, worth $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed optimism, saying he is excited about how Pitts will be utilized, indicating a strategic role for the talented tight end.
Marquise Brown’s New Chapter
Marquise Brown had a disappointing season in 2023, registering a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. Seeking a fresh start, Brown signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, potentially earning up to $11 million with incentives. However, a dislocated left shoulder is expected to sideline him for the regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.
Rushing Forward: Najee Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson
NFL fans have admired Najee Harris for his consistent performance, gaining over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Despite this, the Pittsburgh Steelers opted not to exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for Harris in 2025. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots secured Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million extension, featuring over $17 million in guaranteed money.
Jawaan Taylor’s Mixed Season
Jawaan Taylor both shone and stumbled in 2023. He commanded a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees, yet he also led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards. Nonetheless, Taylor’s future remains secure with a fully guaranteed $20 million salary slated for 2025.
Shifts in Detroit’s Wide Receiver Lineup
Jameson Williams, the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, showed promise with 24 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games last season. As Josh Reynolds departed for Denver, the Detroit Lions retained a robust receiving asset in Williams with a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million.
Titans’ Offensive Reinforcements
Treylon Burks, DeAndre Hopkins, and newcomer Tyler Boyd form a formidable receiving trio for the Tennessee Titans, quarterbacked by Ryan Tannehill. Burks, with 49 receptions for 665 yards and a single touchdown in 21 games since being drafted, will benefit from the seasoned presence of Hopkins and the steady performance of Boyd in the offensive lineup.