One of the NFL’s biggest free agent signings this offseason came with an extra incentive for one division rival.
Appearing on “The Adam Schefter Podcast,” the new Titans head coach Brian Callahan mentioned that signing receiver Calvin Ridley away from the divisional rival Jaguars added some appeal to the deal.
“To have him here and be able to go steal him from a division rival certainly makes it a little sweeter in that regard,” Callahan said.
The Titans gave Ridley, 29, a four-year, $92 million contract to woo him away from Jacksonville, despite reports that the team was likely to re-sign him.
Ridley had a solid season in his return from a year-long gambling suspension, finishing with 76 catches for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns in his lone year with the Jaguars.
However, Ridley didn’t look exactly like his 2020 superstar self, when he finished with over 1,300 yards.
Part of his struggles were due to decreased efficiency: Ridley posted just 1.57 yards per route run last year compared to 2.44 in 2020.
Nonetheless, Callahan maintains faith in the former first-rounder’s abilities.
“I believe in everything he’s about. He’s a pro’s pro,” Callahan said. “He’s got real talent. He’s one of the better route-runners I’ve been around.”
In adding Ridley and running back Tony Pollard, the Titans brought in more juice to an offense that finished 27th in points per game last season.
Ridley will pair with DeAndre Hopkins in what figures to be a strong veteran receiver tandem for second-year quarterback Will Levis.
The new-look Titans will open their season in Chicago on Sept. 8, with Ridley’s first revenge opportunity not arriving until Week 14, when the team hosts the Jaguars.