A strange loophole from Falcons-Jaguars trade incentives Calvin Ridley to take his time in free agency

We’re just about two days into the “legal tampering” period of 2024 NFL free agency, and Calvin Ridley still does not officially have a pro football home. By his standards (and by the hype), Ridley did have a down year during his first season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. But playmakers who can catch around 1,000 yards don’t grow on trees. They also usually don’t wait too long in free agency before getting scooped up.

As it turns out, Ridley and the Jaguars might be taking advantage of a loophole in the trade that originally sent him from the Atlanta Falcons to Jacksonville.

According to The MMQB’s Albert Breer, the Falcons will receive a second-round pick from the Jaguars if Ridley re-signs with the Jaguars before the 2024 league year officially begins on Wednesday afternoon. If Ridley re-signs with the Jaguars after, then the Falcons only get a third-round pick.

Hmm.

Fascinating situation with WR Calvin Ridley: Per terms of the Falcons/Jags trade, Atlanta gets a 2 if Ridley re-signs in Jags before Wednesday at 4, and a 3 if he re-signs thereafter. So the Jags are motivated to wait, and Ridley's camp has that extra time to drive the number up.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 12, 2024

Given that Ridley and the Jaguars are apparently motivated to stay together, it’s now in the interest of both not to strike a deal until Wednesday afternoon. Plus, it gives Ridley and his party time to potentially get more money in his new contract. It’s a win-win all around, and it shows how both are well aware of how they can help each other in the short term.