RADIO
Former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley did not play in 2022 after being suspended for at least the entire season for betting on NFL games. The 28-year-old wideout forfeited his 2022 base salary and tanked his dynasty fantasy football value in the process.
However, Ridley was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 2023 conditional fourth-round pick and a 2024 conditional sixth-round pick. The Alabama product racked up 1,374 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns on 90 receptions (143 targets) in 2020, so he clearly has talent and could be a steal in 2023 fantasy drafts if he's reinstated.
It's not a definitive conclusion that Ridley will be able to play next season, but we'll dive into the latest speculation and what his potential 2023 fantasy outlook could be.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Will Calvin Ridley Play in 2023?
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said that the team expects Ridley to be reinstated soon. He can apply for reinstatement on Feb. 15, but he won't be able to have contact with the team football-wise until April 17. Ultimately, there's a great chance he'll be able to play, as plenty of NFL players have faced lengthy suspensions and returned to the playing field.
However, sharp redraft and dynasty fantasy managers should stay up to date for the latest development surrounding Ridley's complex situation
Calvin Ridley 2023 Fantasy Outlook
Pass-catchers Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and Evan Engram each saw at least 98 targets in 2022, with Marvin Jones finishing fourth with 81 targets. Kirk and Zay Jones are locked in to contract for the 2023 season, but Engram and Marvin Jones will be unrestricted free agents this offseason. With Ridley coming into the fold, it's easy to think Marvin Jones will not be on the team next season.
However, even if Engram comes back, Ridley is a very attractive fantasy option in an emerging offense with a rising quarterback in Trevor Lawrence. Ridley might be rusty to start the season, but he'll likely to able to participate in all offseason activities and build a rapport with Lawrence. If he stays healthy, there's a great chance he's no worse than the WR2 in Jacksonville next season, but there's also a real chance he pushes Kirk to be the bonafide WR1.
Given the risk most fantasy managers don't want to take, Ridley should come at a juicy discount in 2023 fantasy drafts. If he's going off the board in the middle-to-late rounds, he'll inevitably have the highest ceiling of players in that range. All that said, Ridley is a player we should be excited about and he's a great "buy" candidate in dynasty leagues. Tied to Trevor Lawrence, the trade to Jacksonville is arguably the best landing spot for his fantasy value.
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
More Fantasy Football Analysis
