Phil Perry and Tom E. Curran offer instant reaction to the news that free agent wide receiver Calvin Ridley is signing with the Titans over either the Patriots or Jaguars.
The New England Patriots appear to have made a strong contract offer to Calvin Ridley, but they still weren't able to land the free agent wide receiver.
Ridley has agreed to sign a massive four-year deal worth $92 million with the Tennessee Titans, including $50 million guaranteed, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The Patriots and Jaguars (Ridley's 2023 team) reportedly were the favorites to sign him, but the Titans swooped in with a huge offer to give second-year quarterback Will Levis a star wide receiver in the Tennessee passing attack.
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How did the Patriots' offer compare to the Titans and Jaguars?
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported Wednesday that the Patriots were around $22 million per year, with the Jaguars coming in a little below $20 million per season. It should be noted that Massachusetts has a state income tax, while Tennessee and Florida do not.
Ultimately, not signing Ridley might turn out to be a positive for the Patriots. He's a very good player -- 76 receptions for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns for the Jaguars last season -- but he's not a top 15 wideout. The Titans overpaid to acquire him.
What's next for the Patriots?
The 2024 NFL Draft seems like the most likely avenue to upgrade at wide receiver. The Patriots have the No. 3 and No. 34 overall picks.
The best remaining free agent wideouts include Marquise Brown, K.J. Osborn, Tyler Boyd and Odell Beckham Jr. The Patriots also could look to the trade market for a star wide receiver. Cincinnati Bengals wideout Tee Higgins requested a trade earlier this week.
