Every NFL season presents a new landscape of opportunities, challenges, and pivotal moments that can alter a player's career trajectory. The 2023 season has been no exception, bringing both triumphs and setbacks for some of the league's prominent figures.
Calvin Ridley's Redemption
Calvin Ridley, who was suspended for the entire 2022 season under the NFL's gambling policy, made a stellar return in 2023. After stepping away from football following seven games in the 2021 season to focus on his mental health, Ridley bounced back impressively. Playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars, he recorded 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. His performance secured him a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually.
Stefon Diggs' Rollercoaster Season
Stefon Diggs had a season of highs and lows with the Buffalo Bills. In the first six games, he exhibited his star power by catching 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns. However, his performance waned over the next 11 games, failing to notch a single 100-yard game. In the playoffs, Diggs managed 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns across two games, prompting a significant change. In March, the Bills traded Diggs to the Houston Texans, along with a 2024 fourth-round and a 2025 fifth-round pick, in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick. As part of the trade, Diggs' salary for 2024 was increased to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Nick Chubb's Unfortunate Injury
Nick Chubb's 2023 season took a devastating turn when he suffered a severe left knee injury just two games in, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This injury echoed a similar one he endured in 2015 while playing at the University of Georgia. Prior to this setback, Chubb had a career-high 1,525 rushing yards in the 2022 season. In light of his injury, the Cleveland Browns adjusted his contract, ensuring him a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins' Injury-Stricken Season
Tee Higgins faced his own struggles with injuries, limiting him to just 12 games in 2023. Despite these setbacks, he managed 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Bengals designated Higgins as a franchise player for $21.816 million, but it wasn’t without friction; Higgins requested a trade following the franchise tag. Meanwhile, the Bengals are focusing on securing a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase.
Ronnie Stanley's Challenges
Ronnie Stanley, who signed a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, has had a hard time staying on the field, participating in only 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games since signing the deal. He managed to play 13 games last season and agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation from $15 million to $7.5 million. However, his new deal includes incentives that could boost his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Kyle Pitts' Promising Future
Kyle Pitts, who had 1,026 yards receiving and a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie season, saw his production dip over the last two seasons due to injuries. Over 27 games, he managed 1,023 yards. Nevertheless, the Falcons picked up his fifth-year option for 2025, worth $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized, indicating a major role for him in the team's future plans.
NFL's Shifting Dynamics
The dynamic nature of the NFL was evident with numerous other players making headlines. Marquise Brown had a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games in 2023 but signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City, with potential earnings reaching $11 million with incentives. Unfortunately, a dislocated left shoulder is expected to keep him out of the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Najee Harris, who has gained over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons, did not have his $6.79 million fifth-year option for 2025 exercised by the Steelers. Meanwhile, the Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal featuring over $17 million guaranteed. Another significant contract saw Jawaan Taylor signing a four-year, $80 million deal with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees, despite leading the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023.
As the 2023 season unfolds, it is clear that the NFL remains a league of opportunity and uncertainty, where every game can significantly impact a player's career path, contract negotiations, and future prospects.