According to Mike Garafolo there is a “very strong possibility” that Calvin Ridley is traded this offseason. This leads to the question, should the Jets trade for Calvin Ridley? The Jets have a need and the draft capital needed to get a deal done but should they pull the trigger?
Calvin Ridley
Ridley was a first-round pick, 26th overall, by the Falcons in the 2018 draft and was a great player for them his first three years in the league. Each year he had over 800 yards and 7 touchdowns with his best year coming last year with over 1,300 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Ridley has great speed and is truly a great route runner. His stats back it up and he would be a perfect fit for the New York Jets playing alongside Elijah Moore and allowing Corey Davis to be a number two wide receiver again where he thrived in Tennesee.
The Cost
You would think a player with the talent of Calvin Ridley would cost at least a first-round pick but with questions around him, it might not be that much. Ridley left the Falcons after playing five games this season saying that he needed to focus on his mental well-being. In those five games, Ridley was not on the same pace as his first three seasons. There are some questions surrounding Ridley which could impact his value. It is still possible a team is willing to give up a first-round pick for Ridley but at least at this point, a second-round pick seems more likely.
The Jets have four picks in the first two rounds this year including, 4, 10, 35, and 38. Barring a trade back those two first-rounders are too high to trade so those are likely out of the question. But if no team wants to give up a first-round pick then the Jets have two very early second-round picks to work with in a deal.
Ridley or Draft?
The Jets have a need at wide receiver and helping out Zach Wilson. After Corey Davis and Elijah Moore went out, there was basically no outside receiving threat. The Jets need to add a receiver either through a trade, free agency, or the draft. Should the Jets draft a receiver or trade one of the picks for Ridley?
The Jets seem like they are in a tough spot this year when it comes to the receiving class especially with Alabama receiver Jameson Williams tearing his ACL in the National Championship Game. Pick ten seems like a reach for a receiver but 35 might be too late. Ridley would be a great option if that happens to be the case.
Final Thoughts
Calvin Ridley would be a great get for the New York Jets and Zach Wilson. Pick 35 is well worth a player of his ability and at only 27 years old will still be a long-term option. There are a lot of questions with Ridley but I am sure any team that trades for him will be able to clear those up before making a move.
This is a rare opportunity and a lucky team will be able to add Calvin Ridley to their team this offseason. Ridley could be a guy that could take Zach Wilson to the next level, kind of like Stefon Diggs and Josh Allen who we are now watching in the playoffs.
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