As the trade deadline approaches, the Tennessee Titans once again find themselves in a seller’s mindset.
After finishing the 2024 season with the worst record in the NFL, the Titans have just one win entering Week 9 in 2025, which represents another lost season. Therefore, Tennessee will look to sell off many of it’s pieces that the team feels aren’t part of the future.
That means the Titans will have to make a big decision regarding Calvin Ridley, the veteran receiver whom the team signed in free agency last year. Ridley is still under contract through 2027 making $23 million per season, so the Titans are unlikely to get much back in return for a team taking on this contract.
Any team that looks to acquire Ridley must be able to fit the wide receiver into its cap space this year and for the next two years, which could limit Ridley’s suitors. Here’s a look at five teams that could make sense for the veteran wide receiver.
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Calvin Ridley landing spots
New England Patriots
In 2024, the New England Patriots went hard after Ridley in free agency, coming up short as the wide receiver ended up in Tennessee. Less than two years later, the Patriots are in a much better position and could use Ridley as another weapon for rising star Drake Maye.
New England has the most cap space left in the NFL this year, making the team a logical candidate to absorb Ridley’s hefty deal. Veteran Stefon Diggs and third-year player Kayshon Boutte are currently the Patriots’ top-two receivers, but Ridley would likely take over as Maye’s top option if acquired.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers brought in DK Metcalf in the offseason, but they traded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys as well. While Metcalf has been a welcome addition, the team has felt Pickens’ absence, since no other receiver besides Metcalf and TE Pat Freiermuth has surpassed 200 receiving yards this year.
While Metcalf is signed long-term, the Steelers don’t have much more money committed to the position beyond this year. Not only would Ridley give Pittsburgh wide receivers help this year, he would create a better situation for whomever replaces Aaron Rodgers in the offseason.
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Denver Broncos
Another team currently leading a division, the Denver Broncos could be looking for wide receiver help to add alongside Courtland Sutton. The Broncos already have one of the best defenses in the league, and improving the passing offense could be the key to them making a deep playoff run.
Denver’s need for Ridley isn’t as high as some other teams since the Broncos’ wide receiver depth chart is in a solid place, as Sutton, Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims are a quality trio. However, acquiring Ridley would be a power move for the team to try and win the AFC West away from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Seattle Seahawks
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has turned into a star for the Seattle Seahawks, but the wide receiver doesn’t have much help at his position. While Cooper Kupp remains a reliable option, he isn’t as explosive as he once was and would be better suited as a No. 3 option in the offense.
Therefore, the Seahawks could try to pair Ridley with Sam Darnold, whose contracts currently align. With defenses focused so much on Smith-Njibga, Ridley would have the opportunity to excel in Seattle’s offense against opposing defenses’ No. 2 cornerbacks.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers could be a sleeper team to pursue Ridley, which would mean the wide receiver joins Tetaroia McMillan on the wide receiver depth chart. At 4-4, the Panthers are in the playoff mix, but they will need help down the stretch to make the playoffs this year.
Ridley would be a veteran in the young Panthers’ offensive room, which is headlined by third-year quarterback Bryce Young. Carolina’s rushing offense currently outpaces its passing offense, but adding Ridley would create a more versatile dynamic through the air.
