Both Josh Allen and Calvin Ridley‘s rookie deals are set to expire at the same time, despite beginning in different years. Ridley’s 2022 gambling suspension has impacted his timetable, putting his second NFL employer on the clock. Both players are on track for free agency, but the team hopes to prevent either from reaching the open market.
Jaguars are likely to prioritize Allen, as GM Trent Baalke has confirmed that the five-year edge rusher will remain a Jaguar next season. This signals the team’s preparedness to use the franchise tag once again.
Jacksonville has utilized the tag for the past three years, keeping both Cam Robinson and Evan Engram off the market. They tagged Robinson twice. For Allen, the tag would cost nearly $22MM, although there might be a debate over whether to classify him as a linebacker or a defensive end, as he is nominally an outside linebacker but plays as a defensive end.
It will be crucial for the Jaguars to retain Allen, as he had a breakout season in a contract year. If the Jaguars re-sign Ridley, they would owe the Falcons a conditional second-round pick.
Baalke expressed the desire to have Ridley back and acknowledged that negotiations are ongoing. Ridley’s re-signing would represent a significant commitment to the skill positions for the Jaguars, considering their existing contracts and potential future extensions for Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne.
Ridley produced his second 1,000-yard season in 2022, showing his potential value in the market if the Jaguars do not re-sign him before the legal tampering period.
