Every NFL season brings new narratives, and the 2023 season was no different. A number of players faced significant challenges and made strategic moves that sent ripples through the league. From comeback stories to contract negotiations and devastating injuries, here’s a comprehensive look at some of the major developments.
Calvin Ridley's Return
Calvin Ridley, after a turbulent period, made a strong comeback. Having spent the 2022 season suspended under the NFL's gambling policy and stepping away from football mid-2021 to prioritize his mental health, Ridley returned in 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, racking up 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
This resurgence earned Ridley a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually. His journey underscores the resilience needed to overcome personal and professional hurdles in the league.
Stefon Diggs' Transition
In Buffalo, Stefon Diggs started the season strong, catching 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games. However, his output waned over the final 11 games, failing to register a single 100-yard game. Diggs' postseason contributions were also modest, with 10 receptions for 73 yards across two games.
March saw a significant change for Diggs as he was traded to the Houston Texans. The trade involved Diggs, a 2024 fourth-round pick, and a 2025 fifth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick. As part of the trade, Diggs' contract was reworked, increasing his 2024 salary to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Nick Chubb's Setbacks
Nick Chubb faced a severe setback two games into the 2023 season, suffering a devastating injury that tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his left knee. This unfortunate event followed a stellar 2022 season where Chubb achieved a career-high 1,525 rushing yards. This injury was particularly disheartening given his history with knee injuries, having previously torn his LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015 while at the University of Georgia.
The Cleveland Browns have retained Chubb on a revised contract, ensuring him a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with the potential to earn up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins and the Bengals
Tee Higgins had an injury-limited 2023 season, playing in just 12 games but still managing 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Bengals designated him as a franchise player for $21.816 million, prompting Higgins to request a trade.
At the same time, the Bengals are planning a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase, signaling a commitment to solidifying their receiving corps for the future.
Ronnie Stanley's Struggles
Ronnie Stanley's battle with injuries has been a continuing narrative. Since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, Stanley has only managed to participate in 26 out of 61 regular-season games. Last season, he played 13 games and took a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million. His new deal includes incentives that could elevate his earnings to $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Kyle Pitts' Journey
Kyle Pitts exploded onto the scene in his rookie season, amassing 1,026 receiving yards and earning a Pro Bowl selection. However, injuries over the last two seasons have hampered his production, with Pitts managing 1,023 yards in 27 games. The Falcons have shown faith in his potential by picking up his fifth-year option for 2025, valued at $10.878 million.
New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized, indicating a strategic approach to bringing out the best in the young player.
Marquise Brown's New Start
Marquise Brown experienced a challenging 2023 season with a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches over 14 games. Despite this, he secured a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City, with potential earnings up to $11 million with incentives. However, a dislocated left shoulder is expected to keep him out of the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Other Notable Moves and Challenges
NFL's other notable events included Najee Harris achieving over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three seasons, though the Steelers did not exercise his fully guaranteed fifth-year option valued at $6.79 million for 2025. Meanwhile, the Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed.
Jawaan Taylor inked a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees, despite leading the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023. His contract includes $20 million in fully guaranteed salary for 2025.
Lastly, in Detroit, Jameson Williams recorded 24 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games last season, while Josh Reynolds departed for Denver.
Titans' Receiving Corps
In Tennessee, the receiving corps for quarterback Ryan Tannehill was bolstered with the additions of DeAndre Hopkins, who signed a two-year deal before last year's training camp, and Tyler Boyd on a one-year contract. This trio, including Treylon Burks who has 49 receptions for 665 yards and a single touchdown in 21 games since being drafted, aims to provide Tannehill with a solid arsenal for the upcoming season.
The 2023 NFL season has been a maze of triumph and tribulation for many players. Whether they found new homes or faced down injuries, their stories continue to captivate fans and shape the ever-evolving saga of professional football.