Atlanta Falcons: Calvin Ridley due a big contract extension in 2022
Calvin Ridley has been a very reliable target for the Atlanta Falcons since entering the league in 2018. He has developed into an elite wide receiver in 2020.
With another stellar campaign in 2021 for the Atlanta Falcons, Ridley will be due a major contract extension next offseason. The team picked up his fifth-year option for 2022 but they will more than likely give him an extension before the start of next season.
All-Pro receiver Julio Jones was limited to only nine games last year forcing Ridley to immediately become the No. 1 receiver on this team. He stepped up to the challenge and led the Atlanta Falcons with 90 receptions for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns.
Ridley finished the year tied with Green Bay’s Devante Adams for the fifth-most receiving yards in the league. He also had eight 100-yard games, which led the NFL. Ridley averaged 91.6 receiving yards a game in 2020, ranking third among wide receivers.
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Calvin Ridley had a breakout 2020 campaign for the Atlanta Falcons
Ridley was named a second-team All-Pro. Although he was snubbed from the Pro Bowl, Ridley has shown his ability to consistently be the No. 1 target in an offense.
Ridley racked up a minimum of 63 catches and 800 yards in each of his first two NFL seasons.
In 2019, Ridley was on pace for the first 1,000-yard season of his career before his year was cut short. He was forced to miss the final three games of the season with an abdominal injury. Ridley finished the year with 63 receptions for 866 yards and seven touchdowns.
The former first-round pick has racked up 217 catches for 3061 yards, along with 26 touchdowns in his 3-year NFL career.
Head coach Arthur Smith will look to run the ball more than Atlanta’s usual pass-heavy offense. Atlanta ranked 27th in rushing yards per game. An improved run game will only help the passing attack, leading to more one-on-one coverage.
The Fort Lauderdale native doesn’t think it will be any different as he goes into the year as the number one receiver on this team. “I’m more than ready for that role and I just can’t wait to make plays and do what I have to do for my teammates,” Ridley told reporters after August 3rd practice.
With another All-Pro caliber season in 2021, Ridley should be looking to become one of the highest-paid receivers in the league.
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