Atlanta Falcons need to extend Calvin Ridley sooner than later

Now that the wait-and-see drama between the Atlanta Falcons and Julio Jones is over, they need to make sure they give Calvin Ridley an extension sooner than later.

The Atlanta Falcons are now without one of the franchise legends and what was their strongest positional group on the team will become weaker without the future Hall of Fame receiver, which gives general manager Terry Fontenot all more reason to lock up Calvin Ridley long-term.

Julio Jones will no doubt be a huge loss for the team, however, the Falcons offense will likely improve drastically all because of how bad former offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter was. While Arthur Smith lacks the sustained coaching career many would like to see, he more than has the other important qualities and a recent track record of success that the Falcons have not had in an OC in decades – if ever.

Don’t bother bringing up Kyle Shanahan – his best season as an offensive coordinator was his second season in Atlanta.

The Atlanta Falcons offense in 2021 will be exciting to watch

Matt Ryan already has great chemistry with Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage. Kyle Pitts is obviously a huge addition to the team and someone that Ryan will count on a lot in 2021. The Atlanta Falcons improved their offensive line in the draft and with a better play-caller, they have the potential to be a top-five offense this upcoming season.

During the 2020 season, Calvin emerged showing how much of a difference-maker he was when Julio Jones missed several games to injury. The Atlanta Falcons had a terrible 2020 season, but Calvin Ridley was one of the bright spots the team can build off of under the new coaching staff.

The Atlanta Falcons need to lock up Calvin Ridley to a long-term contract. If they wait too long, Ridley might want out and the Atlanta Falcons will lose two Pro Bowl receivers in less than a year and nothing more than a couple of mid-round picks to show for it.

Terry Fontenot needs to do everything in his power to prevent Calvin Ridley from walking out.

A strong 2021 season from Calvin Ridley will also want him to stay in Atlanta. Arthur Smith said earlier on in his tenure that he was excited to work with Ridley, so hopefully has designed parts of the offense around him in order to also needs to design plays to give Calvin Ridley a lot of touchdowns.

The more production Ridley gets the happier he will be in an Atlanta Falcons uniform.