The Jaguars made a sneaky strong move at the 2022 NFL trade deadline to help Trevor Lawrence and improve their young offense starting in 2023. Jacksonville was able to pick up suspended wide receiver Calvin Ridley from Atlanta for limited compensation.
Ridley, only 27, was a second-team All-Pro in 2020, but was banned from the league for all of this season after being caught violating the NFL’s gambling policy.
The Jaguars continued the upgrade of their receiving corps after adding Christian Kirk, Zay Jones and Evan Engram this past offseason.
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Sporting News breaks down the trade grades, which are lopsided in the favor of Ridley’s new team:
Calvin Ridley trade grades
Falcons receive:
- WR Calvin Ridley
Jaguars receive:
- 2023 fifth-round draft pick
- 2024 conditional fourth-round draft pick
Jaguars grade: A+
Kirk has been worth his lucrative deal as a dazzling go-to guy in the slot for Lawrence. Engram also has worked out at tight end and Jones has flashed when healthy. The missing piece was a true outside No. 1 target who can both the stretch the field and finish in the red zone. Ridley is just that, plus he offers some inside versatility given his usage in Atlanta.
The Jaguars gave up next to nothing for a rested wideout in his prime, one whom the Falcons drafted No. 26 overall in the first round in 2018.
#DUUUVAL 😤😤
— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) November 1, 2022
Falcons grade: D
Atlanta has gone fully run-heavy with rookie first-rounder Drake London being the top wideout going forward. But an offense with Ridley, London and tight end Kyle Pitts would have been a good foundation for a true young franchise QB in 2023, either Desmond Ridder or another high draft pick.
But it’s clear the Falcons weren’t pleased with Ridley’s decision and subsequent big consequences and were willing to move him for very little in relation to his value. The Jaguars won this trade easily and Lawrence should be thrilled to throw to Ridley next season.
