Every NFL season brings unique challenges and opportunities for players, and the 2023 season was no exception. Several notable athletes made headlines, not only for their on-field performances but also for their journeys off the field. Among these is Calvin Ridley, who had his share of ups and downs. Ridley spent the entire 2022 season suspended under the NFL's gambling policy, a setback that could have derailed many careers. This came after he had already stepped away from football after just seven games in the 2021 season to focus on his mental health.
However, Ridley made a remarkable comeback with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023, posting impressive stats with 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. His exceptional performance earned him a four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging a hefty $23 million annually.
Stefon Diggs: A Season of Contrasts
Another player who had a noteworthy season was Stefon Diggs. The Buffalo Bills wide receiver had a blistering start, catching 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games. However, his production tapered off significantly as he failed to record a single 100-yard game over the final 11 games. In the playoffs, Diggs managed 10 receptions for 73 yards without finding the end zone in two games.
In a surprising offseason move, the Bills traded Diggs to the Houston Texans in March. As part of the deal, the Bills received a 2025 second-round pick, while the Texans also acquired a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. Diggs' contract was reworked, raising his 2024 salary from $19.005 million to $22.52 million.
Nick Chubb: A Rollercoaster of Fortunes
Nick Chubb's 2023 season was drastically cut short due to a severe left knee injury just two games in, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This was devastating for Chubb, who had just come off a career-high 1,525 rushing yards in the 2022 season. Remarkably, this wasn't his first grappling with significant knee issues; he previously tore his LCL, MCL, and PCL back in 2015 while playing at the University of Georgia.
Despite these setbacks, the Cleveland Browns showed faith in their star running back, retaining him on a revised contract that guarantees him $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins: Limited but Impactful
Tee Higgins also faced a challenging 2023 season, limited by injuries to just 12 games. Despite the limited play time, he managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Cincinnati Bengals recognized his value and designated him as a franchise player, a move set to pay him $21.816 million. However, Higgins has requested a trade following this designation.
Amid this, the Bengals are planning a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase, further complicating Higgins' future with the team.
Ronnie Stanley: Battling Through Adversity
Offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley has had a tough run since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020. Stanley participated in only 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games up to the end of last season, where he managed to play 13 games. To adapt to these circumstances, 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 play time and honors.
Kyle Pitts: A Tale of Two Seasons
For Kyle Pitts, the 2023 season was one of continuing to grapple with injuries. Pitts had an outstanding rookie season with 1,026 yards receiving and a Pro Bowl selection, but his production dipped over the next two years due to persistent injuries. Over the last two seasons, he managed 1,023 yards in 27 games. Despite this, the Atlanta Falcons have picked up his fifth-year option in 2025, worth $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed his excitement about how Pitts will be utilized, signaling optimism for the coming season.
Marquise Brown: A Season to Forget
Marquise Brown had a 2023 season he might want to put behind him, with a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. He signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City that could potentially reach $11 million with incentives but is expected to miss the regular-season opener against the Ravens due to a dislocated left shoulder.
Najee Harris: Consistent Yet Overlooked
Najee Harris has been a model of consistency, gaining over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. Yet, the Steelers decided not to exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for him in 2025, leaving his future with the team uncertain.
Rhamondre Stevenson and Jawaan Taylor: Significant Moves
In other significant moves, the Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed. Jawaan Taylor signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees, after leading the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023.
Jameson Williams and Treylon Burks: Promising Yet Cautious
Detroit's Jameson Williams recorded 24 receptions for 354 yards with two touchdowns in 12 games last season. Although Josh Reynolds left Detroit for Denver, Williams has a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million, securing his future at least financially.
In Tennessee, Treylon Burks, who had 49 receptions for 665 yards and a single touchdown in 21 games since being drafted, remains a part of the Titans' receiving corps along with DeAndre Hopkins and newly signed Tyler Boyd. They will look to support quarterback Ryan Tannehill in a crucial upcoming season.
The NFL landscape continues to shift dramatically, and these players' journeys offer just a glimpse into the league's ever-evolving narrative. As the new season beckons, all eyes will be on how these stars adapt and perform in their respective new roles and environments.