Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley may be on the move and the Indianapolis Colts should do everything possible to land him.
The past few years, Calvin Ridley has been one of the NFL’s brightest young receivers. Over his first three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, he caught 217 passes for 3,061 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Entering the 2021 season, many were expecting Ridley to have his best season yet. Atlanta had traded Julio Jones and Ridley was officially the no. 1 guy.
Unfortunately, Ridley only played in five games before stepping away for the rest of the season to focus on his mental health.
With the Falcons season concluded, there have been reports that Ridley may be seeking a fresh start with another team. There’s also reason to believe that Atlanta is willing to trade him.
Asked if Calvin Ridley’s future with the Falcons is in jeopardy @wyche89 tells @MikeBellATL & @putemupcdukes “I’d think so. The fact that he and the team have been so quiet and he hasn’t surfaced, it appears like both sides could be looking for a fresh start.” #dirtybirds
— DukesandBell929 (@DukesandBell929) January 4, 2022
In the 2021 draft, the Falcons selected tight end, Kyle Pitts. In his rookie season, he displayed the talent that made him the highest-drafted tight end of all time.
Atlanta was also able to unlock a new level with veteran Cordarrelle Patterson, using him as a running back and receiver.
Considering the emergence of Pitts and Patterson and the fact that Ridley only has one year left on his contract, it’ll be wise for the Falcons to seek a trade partner for Ridley.
Once Atlanta opens the lines, the Indianapolis Colts should be one of the first teams calling.
Colts should aggressively pursue a Calvin Ridley trade
Ridley is exactly what the Colts need— a talented receiver. As TY Hilton has aged, the Indianapolis receiver room has become underwhelming.
Michael Pittman Jr. has developed into a real threat during his second season, but after him, it’s a significant drop-off. Whether that be injuries, consistency, or just skill, Indy hasn’t been able to field two top receivers.
This is the Colts’ opportunity to do so. Indianapolis hasn’t really been in the mix the last few years with all of the other receiver movement, and if Indy was, it wasn’t aggressive enough.
If Indianapolis doesn’t aggressively pursue Ridley, that gives fans and media real reason to question the front office.
Ridley is just 27-years-old, extremely talented, and can drastically improve the Colts’ offense. Additionally, if he is acquired, the team can look into the possibility of signing him to an extension.
These are the type of acquisitions made by teams that are serious about contending.
https://twitter.com/nfl/status/1368229887098621953?s=21
Calvin Ridley can make the Colts serious contenders
One glance around the league and it’s obvious what adding a talented receiver can do for a team. The Titans and AJ Brown, the Bills with Stefon Diggs, and the Cardinals with DeAndre Hopkins.
Indy could be the next team to join the trend. A top receiver opposite Pittman with Jonathan Taylor in the backfield is a dangerous offense.
Some might say “well Carson Wentz is still the quarterback”, but it’s two things that can help any passer. One is pass protection and the other is weapons.
The Colts are a left tackle away from having an elite offensive line and bringing in Ridley solves the weapons part of the equation. He has the talent that can elevate the offense and improve Indy’s chances of competing for a championship.
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