The NFL landscape is ever-changing, bringing unique challenges and opportunities each season, and the 2023 campaign was no exception. From triumphant returns to surprising trades, here's a look at some notable stories that shaped the year.
Calvin Ridley's Comeback
After stepping away from football to prioritize his mental health in 2021 and serving a suspension in 2022 under the NFL's gambling policy, Calvin Ridley made a triumphant return. Playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ridley posted impressive stats: 76 catches, 1,016 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. His performance didn’t go unnoticed, securing him a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually.
Stefon Diggs’ Journey
Stefon Diggs had a mixed season with Buffalo, recording 49 catches for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games. However, he failed to hit a single 100-yard game in the remaining 11 games. In the playoffs, Diggs' performance was below expectations, with 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns over two games. The offseason saw him traded to the Houston Texans along with a 2024 fourth-round and a 2025 fifth-round pick. In exchange, the Buffalo Bills acquired a 2025 second-round pick. As part of this trade, Diggs' contract was reworked, boosting his 2024 salary from $19.005 million to $22.52 million.
Nick Chubb's Resilience
Nick Chubb's season was derailed early due to a severe knee injury, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus two games into the 2023 season. It wasn't the first time Chubb faced such adversity; he had previously torn his LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015 while at the University of Georgia. Despite the setbacks, Chubb had a career-high 1,525 rushing yards in 2022. The Cleveland Browns decided to retain him on a revised contract, ensuring a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with potential earnings up to $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins' Uncertainty
Tee Higgins was limited to just 12 games in 2023 due to injuries but still managed to record 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. The Bengals designated him as a franchise player for $21.816 million, following which Higgins requested a trade. Meanwhile, the Bengals are planning a blockbuster contract extension for Ja'Marr Chase.
Ronnie Stanley's Pay Cut
Ronnie Stanley's career has been plagued by injuries since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020. He has played only 26 out of 61 regular-season games since then, including 13 games last season. To stay in the game, Stanley agreed to a pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million. However, his new deal includes incentives that could increase his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Kyle Pitts' Struggles
Kyle Pitts had a remarkable rookie season with 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection. However, his production dipped over the last two seasons due to injuries, managing only 1,023 yards in 27 games during that period. The Falcons, optimistic about his future, picked up Pitts' fifth-year option in 2025, worth $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized in the coming season.
Marquise Brown's New Start
Marquise Brown experienced a career-low in 2023, with just 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. Subsequently, he signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City, with potential earnings reaching $11 million through incentives. Unfortunately, a dislocated left shoulder is expected to sideline him for the regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Running Back Moves
Najee Harris has consistently gained over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons. However, the Steelers chose not to exercise a fully guaranteed $6.79 million fifth-year option for him in 2025. In contrast, the Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed.
Jawaan Taylor's Highs and Lows
Jawaan Taylor signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees. He led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023, a challenging season for him. His contract includes $20 million in fully guaranteed salary scheduled for 2025.
Jameson Williams: A Rising Star
Jameson Williams, the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, showed promise with 24 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games last season. With Josh Reynolds leaving Detroit for Denver, the Lions will rely heavily on Williams, who has a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million.
Titans' Receiving Corps
Treylon Burks, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tyler Boyd form the Titans’ receiving corps for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Burks has 49 receptions, 665 yards, and a single touchdown in 21 games since being drafted. The Titans signed Hopkins on a two-year deal before last year's training camp and recently added Boyd on a one-year contract. Together, they aim to bolster an evolving offense.