“We’re Not Really Concerned…Whether It’s A Second Or Third Round” Jaguars GM Trent Baalke Insists Draft Compensation Will Not Be A Factor While Negotiating With Calvin Ridley

Calvin Ridley is set to become a free agent this offseason but it is very possible the 30-year-old receiver could return to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ridley was one of Trevor Lawrence’s top targets during 2023 and finished the year with 1016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. After the numbers like that, it would be no surprise if GM Trent Baalke loosens the purse strings to retain the 6’1″ receiver.

The trade that brought Ridley to the Jaguars after four seasons with Atlanta saw a 2024 fourth-round pick sent to the Falcons. That pick dropped to the third rounder due to performance incentives and could now turn into a second-round pick, if the Jags extend Ridley. That would be a hefty price for the Jaguars.

Per a recent article from Pro Football Talk, Baalke addressed the draft pick issue and the chances of bringing Calvin Ridley back.

“We’re not really concerned with that, whether it’s a second or third round,” insisted Baalke. “We’re just going to work with the player and see if we can come to an agreement. Whether that’s before the compensation changes or not, that remains to be seen.”

The Jaguars hold the 48th overall pick in the second round of the upcoming NFL draft.

It is important to note that if Ridley hits the free agent market and then returns to the Jaguars, the pick would remain a third-round pick.

Another factor to take into account for Baalke was the strong performances of reciever Christian Kirk and tight end Evan Ingram. If Jacksonville does decide to move on from Ridley, their offense still has plenty of dangerous weapons.