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New Report Reveals Why Calvin Ridley Turned Down Patriots' Offer

The New England Patriots and receiver Calvin Ridley couldn't agree to terms. What happened behind closed doors?

By Richard Louis

Jan 7, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0)
Jan 7, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) / Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
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The New England Patriots rolled into this offseason with a clear plan to upgrade their lackluster offensive unit. Last season they had one of the worst groups in the NFL.

They were ranked 30th in total offense (276.2), 28th in passing offense (180.5), and tied for last in scoring offense (13.9). Those numbers were unacceptable and New England knew that.

That's why they highlighted WR Calvin Ridley as their No. 1 priority when free agency opened up. The Pats envisioned bringing in Ridley to become the focal point of the offense but that never happened.

On Mar. 13, Ridley and the Tennessee Titans agreed on a four-year, $92 million deal with $50 million guaranteed.

There was a difference in opinion between Ridley and New England.

Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal wrote a column discussing what happened.

“My sense is the breakdown came on the guaranteed money,” Bedard said in a story published Wednesday night. “I don’t think the Patriots would ever go to $50 million for a 30-year-old receiver who sidelined himself with mental health issues in 2021 and was suspended for the 2022 season for gambling. The belief is the Patriots were around $40 million in guaranteed money, but we’ll have to see if that holds up.”

Patriots Rumors: Talks Between Calvin Ridley and New England Broke Down

Bedard reported the Pats didn't want to shell out more than $40 million guaranteed for a playmaker who is turning 30 years old and was just suspended for a whole campaign due to gambling.

Although the Pats need to seriously improve the offense, it was a smart move to not outbid the Titans. Yes, Ridley would have improved the team's offense but giving that kind of money for a WR entering his 30's isn't wise.

New England still has enough cap space to make some meaningful additions on the offensive side. Ridley just wasn't one of them.

They need to ace this offseason to improve their odds for the 2024 season. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Patriots are +2000 underdogs to win the AFC East. If you want to take lock-in of these odds, head over to FanDuel Sportsbook and claim your sign-up bonus.

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