Every NFL season brings unique challenges and opportunities for players, with the 2023 roster movements and individual performances adding to the narrative.
Calvin Ridley's Comeback
Calvin Ridley's journey has been one of resilience. After stepping away from the game midway through the 2021 season to focus on his mental health and spending the 2022 season suspended under the NFL's gambling policy, Ridley returned with a vengeance in 2023. His relocation to the Jacksonville Jaguars resulted in an impressive 76 catches, 1,016 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. However, the real shocker came when he secured a four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually.
Stefon Diggs' Roller Coaster Season
Stefon Diggs had a season characterized by highs and lows. For the Buffalo Bills, Diggs started strong, with 49 catches for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games. Yet, his performance waned towards the end, failing to log a 100-yard game over the final 11 games. His playoff stats were also subdued, with 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns in two games. March saw Diggs traded to the Houston Texans in a deal that included pick exchanges and a reworked contract, enhancing his 2024 salary from $19.005 million to $22.52 million.
Nick Chubb's Injury Setback
Nick Chubb's 2023 season was cut short due to a severe left knee injury two games in, where he tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This was a poignant moment, especially considering his career-high 1,525 rushing yards in 2022 and a similar significant injury during his college years at the University of Georgia. The Cleveland Browns retained Chubb on a revised contract, ensuring him a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins' Challenges
The 2023 season wasn't kind to Tee Higgins either, as injuries limited him to just 12 games. Despite this, Higgins managed to record 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Bengals designated him as a franchise player for $21.816 million. However, this led to Higgins requesting a trade, putting his future with the team in question, especially as the Bengals are gearing up for a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase.
Ronnie Stanley’s Performance and Pay Cut
Ronnie Stanley has had his struggles, participating in only 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020. He played 13 games last season, but agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million. His new deal also includes incentives that could boost his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Kyle Pitts and Marquise Brown
Kyle Pitts had a standout rookie season with 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection. However, injuries have hampered his production over the last two seasons, with Pitts managing 1,023 yards in 27 games. The Falcons picked up his fifth-year option in 2025, worth $10.878 million.
Marquise Brown, on the other hand, experienced a challenging 2023, posting a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. Brown joined Kansas City on a one-year, $7 million deal, potentially reaching $11 million with incentives, despite a dislocated left shoulder expected to keep him out of the season opener against the Ravens.
Running Back Dynamics
Najee Harris has been consistent, gaining over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. However, the Steelers did not exercise his fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for 2025. Meanwhile, the Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed.
Offensive Line and Receiver Moves
Jawaan Taylor led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023, yet secured a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees. His 2025 salary includes $20 million fully guaranteed.
Jameson Williams, Detroit's 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, recorded 24 receptions for 354 yards with two touchdowns in 12 games last season before leaving for Denver. His fully guaranteed option year salary exceeds $15 million.
In Tennessee, Treylon Burks, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tyler Boyd form a solid receiving corps for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The Titans recently added Tyler Boyd on a one-year contract, further bolstering their lineup.
Conclusion
The NFL landscape is constantly evolving, with players enduring highs and lows, both on and off the field. Each season unravels new storylines of endurance, resilience, and strategic moves as teams and players seek to carve their legacy in the annals of football history.