Report: Jaguars trade with Falcons for WR Calvin Ridley

The Jacksonville Jaguars traded to acquire wide receiver Calvin Ridley from the Atlanta Falcons, the team announced Tuesday. The deal, which was first reported by Mia O’Brien of 1010XL, was finalized in the final hour before the 2022 trade deadline.

“We are excited to welcome Calvin Ridley to our organization and the Duval community,” Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement. “This is an opportunity to add a proven playmaker to our already talented wide receiver room as we continue to build our roster for 2023 and beyond. We are looking forward to finishing strong this season and integrating Calvin into our program at the appropriate time.”

Ridley, 27, is currently serving an indefinite suspension that will last through at least the remainder of the 2022 season after an investigation found he bet on NFL games — including Falcons games — while he was on the non-football injury list in November 2021. Ridley can apply for reinstatement in February 2023.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Falcons will get “complex draft compensation” in return that could be worth as much as 2023 fifth-round and 2024 second-round selections.

There are conditions attached to this trade for Calvin Ridley. If he gets reinstated bye a date, it’s worth a 2023 5th, otherwise it’s for a 6th. If he makes the team in 2024, it’s at least a 4th. If he hits play-time milestone, it’s a 3rd. If Jax get a long-term done, it’s a 2. https://t.co/RThnpL1ioO

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2022

Ridley was a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and was a highly productive receiver in Atlanta. After topping 800 yards in each of his first two seasons with 17 touchdowns, Ridley finished 2020 with 90 receptions, 1,374 yards, and nine touchdown grabs.

His 2021 season was cut short when Ridley announced at the end of October that he’d be stepping away from football for mental health reasons.

While Ridley won’t be available to help the Jaguars in 2022, he fills a massive hole for the team that has struggled to connect on deep passes or stretch the field.

#DUUUVAL

— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) November 1, 2022

Ridley was set to play on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, but the suspension tolled it over to the 2023 season. That means he’ll be due to make $11.1 million next year.