Every NFL season presents both unique challenges and opportunities for its players. The 2022 season was particularly tumultuous for wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who faced a suspension under the NFL's gambling policy. His personal journey took another turn in 2021 when he stepped away from the game after just seven matches to focus on his mental health. However, Ridley made a significant comeback in 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. This remarkable turnaround was capped by a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually.
Stefon Diggs, another high-profile receiver, had a rollercoaster season with the Buffalo Bills last year. Diggs started strong, with 49 catches for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games. Yet, his performance waned, and he failed to notch a single 100-yard game over the final 11 matches. In the playoffs, he managed just 10 receptions for 73 yards across two games without a touchdown. This led to his trade to the Houston Texans in March. As part of the deal, the Bills received a 2025 second-round pick, while Diggs' contract was reworked to increase his 2024 salary to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Tragedy struck for running back Nick Chubb, who suffered a severe left knee injury only two games into the 2023 season, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This was particularly heartbreaking considering Chubb's career-high 1,525 rushing yards in 2022. The injury echoed a similar incident in 2015 when he tore his LCL, MCL, and PCL while playing for the University of Georgia. In the wake of this latest setback, 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 also faced his own set of challenges in 2023, limited by injuries to just 12 games. He still managed to secure 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. Complicating matters, the Cincinnati Bengals designated Higgins as a franchise player for $21.816 million, a move that led him to request a trade. The Bengals, however, appear set on their future, planning a blockbuster contract extension for star wideout Ja'Marr Chase.
Offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley's career has also been a series of ups and downs. Since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, he has participated in only 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games. Despite managing to play 13 games last season, Stanley agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million. The adjusted deal includes incentives that could see his earnings rise to a maximum of $17.5 million, contingent on playtime and honors.
Meanwhile, tight end Kyle Pitts continues to be a focal point for the Atlanta Falcons. Following a stellar rookie season with 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection, Pitts has seen his production dip over the past two seasons due to injuries, managing just 1,023 yards in 27 games. Yet, the Falcons remain optimistic about his future, picking up his fifth-year option in 2025, worth $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized, underscoring the team's commitment to their young talent.
Marquise Brown encountered a slump in 2023, recording career-lows of 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. In response, Brown signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City, with potential earnings reaching $11 million through incentives. However, his plans were disrupted by a dislocated left shoulder expected to sideline him for the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
NFL running back Najee Harris continued to impress, gaining over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three seasons. Yet, the Steelers opted not to exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for him in 2025. Instead, the Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed.
In another significant move, offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees. Despite leading the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023, Taylor's fully guaranteed salary for 2025 stands at $20 million.
Rounding out the roster moves, Jameson Williams had 24 receptions for 354 yards with two touchdowns in 12 games last season. Following Josh Reynolds' departure to Denver, Williams finds himself with a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million. Treylon Burks, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tyler Boyd are now part of the Titans' receiving corps for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Burks has recorded 49 receptions for 665 yards and a single touchdown in 21 games since being drafted.
As the NFL landscape continues to shift, these moves and performances highlight the ever-evolving nature of the league, where talent, resilience, and strategic decisions play pivotal roles in shaping the careers of its players.