Fansided

Every NFL team’s most surprising cut candidate

By Nick Villano

Chase Claypool #10 of the Chicago Bears runs to the line of scrimmage in the first quarter of a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 01, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
Chase Claypool #10 of the Chicago Bears runs to the line of scrimmage in the first quarter of a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 01, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) /
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Jacksonville Jaguars
Calvin Ridley #0 of the Jacksonville Jaguars. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

Jacksonville Jaguars — Calvin Ridley

This one would be WILD. The Jacksonville Jaguars traded for Calvin Ridley as he was serving a year-long suspension for gambling on the NFL during an injury. Ridley is currently sitting at the top of the Jaguars’ depth chart, the top man for Trevor Lawrence as he attempts to jump into the upper echelon of quarterback. If this was prime Atlanta Falcons Ridley, then the Jaguars have a superstar on their hands. However, we’ve seen what a year off could do to a superstar when it happened to Deshaun Watson.

If Ridley comes into training camp out of shape, or if it looks like he immediately lost a step, what would the Jaguars do? Would they just suck it up and keep him, or would they cut bait?

None of Ridley’s $11 million salary is guaranteed. That’s right, Ridley is raking in eight digits this season if he sticks on the Jaguars roster. That’s why the Falcons were more than happy to let him go elsewhere. Beyond the suspension, Ridley was prepared to make a killing. We forget that even before his suspension, Ridley stepped away from the team to deal with his mental health. Not taking that lightly, but he has to prove he is 100 percent committed to football.

The Jaguars can also save draft pick compensation if Ridley isn’t on the roster next year. That doesn’t have a ton to do with this, but it has to be at least a slight consideration for Trent Baalke, who is looking at all of his assets as he hopes to open a competition window. If Ridley signs an extension, the Jags have to give the Falcons a second-round pick. If he makes the roster next year, they have to give up at least a fourth.

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