Every NFL season reveals new twists and turns that challenge and redefine the careers of many players. The 2023 season has been no different, offering a blend of comebacks, trades, injuries, and standout performances that have kept fans and analysts alike on their toes.
Calvin Ridley's Rollercoaster Journey
After spending the 2022 season suspended under the NFL's gambling policy, Calvin Ridley's return to football marked a significant chapter in his career. Ridley had previously stepped away from the sport after just seven games in the 2021 season to focus on his mental health. Fast forward to 2023, and Ridley seemed to have found his stride with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His impressive stats of 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns underscored his resurgence as a formidable wide receiver.
On the financial front, Ridley also signed a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually—an affirmation of his value on the field.
Stefon Diggs' Season and Trade
Stefon Diggs' performance last season for the Buffalo Bills was a tale of two halves. In the first six games, he caught 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns. However, his output waned in the latter part of the season, with no single 100-yard game over the final 11 games. In the playoffs, Diggs managed 10 receptions for 73 yards across two games, ending the season without a touchdown in postseason play.
March saw a significant shift for Diggs as he was traded to the Houston Texans. The Buffalo Bills received a 2025 second-round pick in exchange. This trade also led to a rework of Diggs' contract, increasing his 2024 salary to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Nick Chubb's Injury Ups and Downs
Nick Chubb's 2023 season was abruptly cut short due to a severe left knee injury just two games in, where he tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This injury is a stark parallel to his college days at the University of Georgia, where he tore his LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015. However, Chubb’s remarkable 2022 season, which saw him achieve a career-high 1,525 rushing yards, remains a testament to his resilience and skill. The Cleveland Browns showed their faith in Chubb by retaining him on a revised contract, ensuring a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Challenges for Tee Higgins
Tee Higgins faced his share of difficulties in 2023, limited to just 12 games due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, he still managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Bengals designated Higgins as a franchise player for $21.816 million, but this decision prompted Higgins to request a trade.
Ronnie Stanley's Struggles and Adjustments
Since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, Ronnie Stanley has only played in 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games. Last season, he managed to play in 13 games. Acknowledging the ongoing challenges, Stanley agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million. His new deal includes incentives that could boost his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Kyle Pitts: A Promising Yet Challenging Road
Kyle Pitts showed immense promise with 1,026 yards receiving and a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie season. Unfortunately, injuries have limited his production over the last two seasons, where he accumulated 1,023 yards over 27 games. Despite the dip in performance, the Falcons picked up Pitts' fifth-year option in 2025, valued at $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized, hoping to tap into his full potential.
Moves and Injuries Across the League
Several other notable players also experienced significant changes in 2023. Marquise Brown, for instance, had a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches. He signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City, with potential incentives reaching $11 million. However, he is expected to miss the regular-season opener due to a dislocated left shoulder.
Najee Harris continued to display consistent performance, gaining over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Nonetheless, the Steelers chose not to exercise his fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for 2025. On the other hand, the Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed.
Jawaan Taylor's 2023 season was a mixed bag; while he led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards, he also secured a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees. Taylor has $20 million in fully guaranteed salary scheduled for 2025.
Jameson Williams had a decent season with the Detroit Lions, recording 24 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns. However, Josh Reynolds departed Detroit for Denver, leaving Williams with a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million.
The Tennessee Titans bolstered their receiving corps with the addition of Tyler Boyd on a one-year contract, joining Treylon Burks and DeAndre Hopkins as key targets for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Burks has had a modest career so far, with 49 receptions for 665 yards and one touchdown in 21 games since being drafted.
The 2023 season has undoubtedly been a rollercoaster for many players, but as always, the NFL continues to be a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, offering both challenges and opportunities.