The New England Patriots are reportedly continuing to push for a prominent free-agent wide receiver.
Per CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson, the Patriots have an offer to Calvin Ridley on the table as of Tuesday night. The Athletic’s Jeff Howe said Ridley will likely either sign with New England or stay with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer noted a wrinkle that could affect when Ridley signs. Jacksonville would owe the Atlanta Falcons a second-round pick if extending Ridley before the new NFL year begins Wednesday, but the compensation dips to a third if he signs after.
Breer added that the Patriots are “involved and aggressive” but “a bit leery of being used to move the bidding.”
NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe said the Jaguars are “increasingly hopeful” Ridley will return to Jacksonville.
After stepping away from the Falcons for mental health reasons in 2021, Ridley was suspended for the entire 2022 season for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. The Falcons traded him to Jacksonville before his reinstatement.
Ridley returned to catch 76 of 136 targets for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023. If the Florida native stays with the Jaguars, he’d play in a more crowded offense that signed wideout Gabe Davis to a three-year deal.
On the other hand, Ridley would be New England’s clear top target. The Patriots finished 28th in passing offense last season, with DeMario Douglas posting a team-high 561 receiving yards and running back Ezekiel Elliott leading the squad with 51 catches.
Furthermore, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that DeVante Parker is leaving New England to sign a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.