There has been much debate among fan bases in recent weeks when it comes to Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
With both general manager Trent Baalke and quarterback Trevor Lawrence singing Ridley’s praises over the last month, droves of Atlanta Falcons fans have presumed the chances of the Jaguars giving up their 2024 second-round pick are high.
That might not be the exact reality, though. As we have reported for the last several months, the Ridley trade between the Falcons and Jaguars has a caveat.
The Falcons already own the Jaguars’ third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft due to playing time and production marks that Ridley hit in 2023. No matter what happens with Ridley over the next several months, the Falcons own that pick. Nothing can change that.
But what about the Jaguars’ second-round pick? That one is a bit trickier.
In essence, the Jaguars owe the Falcons their second-round pick if they extend Ridley. The emphasis is on the word “extend”, though.
Ridley can return to the Jaguars without a contract extension, because he would technically be joining as a free agent if he signs a deal after the league year begins on March 13 at 4 p.m.