Every NFL season brings its own sets of narratives, be it players redeeming themselves, overcoming injuries, or negotiating new contracts. The 2023 season was no different, shining a spotlight on several notable players and their respective journeys.
Calvin Ridley's Comeback
After spending the entirety of the 2022 season suspended under the NFL's gambling policy, Calvin Ridley made a significant return to the gridiron with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ridley had previously stepped away from football midway through the 2021 season to focus on his mental health. His 2023 performance was nothing short of spectacular—76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. This stellar season not only marked his return but also secured him a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, averaging $23 million annually.
Changes and Challenges for Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs' season with the Buffalo Bills had its ups and downs. He started strong, catching 49 passes for 620 yards and five touchdowns in the first six games. However, his momentum waned, and he did not record a single 100-yard game over the final 11 games. In the playoffs, Diggs managed just 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns across two games. March saw a significant shift when he was traded to the Houston Texans, along with a couple of future draft picks. The Bills received a 2025 second-round pick in return. As part of the trade, Diggs' contract was revised, increasing his 2024 salary to $22.52 million from $19.005 million.
Nick Chubb's Injury Woes
Nick Chubb faced a heartbreaking start to his 2023 season with a severe left knee injury just two games in, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. This was not Chubb's first major injury; he had previously torn his LCL, MCL, and PCL in 2015 while playing at the University of Georgia. Before this setback, Chubb had a career-high 1,525 rushing yards in 2022. The Cleveland Browns showed faith in their star running back by retaining him on a revised contract that ensures a fully guaranteed $2.05 million, with potential earnings reaching $12.225 million.
Tee Higgins' Injury and Contract Drama
The Cincinnati Bengals' Tee Higgins was limited by injuries to just 12 games in 2023, managing 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. Despite being designated as a franchise player for $21.816 million, Higgins requested a trade following the franchise tag. All eyes will be on the Bengals as they plan a blockbuster contract extension for their other star receiver, Ja'Marr Chase.
Ronnie Stanley's Financial Adjustments
Since signing a five-year, $98.75 million extension in 2020, Ronnie Stanley has been plagued by injuries, participating in only 26 out of a possible 61 regular-season games. In the 2023 season, he managed to play just 13 games. To stay with the team, Stanley agreed to a significant pay cut for 2024, reducing his compensation to $7.5 million from $15 million. His revised deal does include incentives that could boost his earnings to a maximum of $17.5 million based on playtime and honors.
Kyle Pitts' Continued Struggles
Kyle Pitts, a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie season, has seen his production dip over the last two seasons due to injuries. Over the past two seasons, Pitts managed only 1,023 yards in 27 games. Despite these challenges, the Falcons picked up his fifth-year option in 2025, worth $10.878 million. New Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed excitement about how Pitts will be utilized moving forward.
Marquise Brown and Najee Harris' New Deals
Marquise Brown struggled in 2023, recording a career-low 574 receiving yards on 51 catches across 14 games. Despite these numbers, Brown secured a one-year, $7 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, which could earn him up to $11 million with incentives. However, a dislocated left shoulder is expected to keep him out of the regular-season opener against the Ravens. Meanwhile, Najee Harris, who has gained over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons, did not have his $6.79 million fifth-year option for 2025 exercised by the Steelers.
Other Notable Moves
The Patriots extended Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year, $36 million deal, featuring over $17 million guaranteed. Elsewhere, Jawaan Taylor signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Pittsburgh, including $60 million in guarantees. Taylor led the NFL in penalties and penalty yards in 2023 but has a fully guaranteed $20 million salary scheduled for 2025.
Jameson Williams, Detroit's 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, recorded 24 receptions for 354 yards with two touchdowns in 12 games last season. Following Josh Reynolds' departure to Denver, Williams now steps into a more significant role with a fully guaranteed option year salary exceeding $15 million.
In Tennessee, Treylon Burks, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tyler Boyd form a dynamic receiving corps for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Burks, with 49 receptions, 665 yards, and a single touchdown in 21 games since being drafted, will look to elevate his game alongside the seasoned Hopkins and Boyd, who joined the team on a one-year contract.
This NFL season has been full of highs and lows, showcasing the resilience, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of greatness that defines the league and its players.