Will The Falcons Trade Calvin Ridley?
When the Falcons traded Julio Jones, it was the right thing to do. Julio was washed and it was a miracle anybody gave them a 2nd round pick for a broken player. Atlanta might be tasked with a similar situation this offseason except for way more complex. Will the Falcons actually trade Calvin Ridley?
Ridley, 27, only played five games for Atlanta this season after stepping away in October for mental health reasons. Arthur Blank, the Falcons owner, made it clear he wants Ridley back. I’m just not sure those feelings are shared by Ridley’s camp.
There seems to be an understanding that a fresh start is needed. We’re not sure what the root of the problem is but mental health obviously is not a joke. Whatever it is that put Ridley over the top might force the Falcons hand here.
From a pure football perspective, the idea of trading Ridley isn’t a bad one. The former first round pick from Alabama is entering the final year of his rookie deal. His next contract won’t be a cheap one and the Falcons aren’t close to contention. Given the return that Stefon Diggs fetched, Ridley absolutely would command a first round pick back and maybe more.
The lack of an answer at the quarterback position also doesn’t help matters. What is Matt Ryan accomplishing at this point? With no clear succession plan, that doesn’t help Ridley’s case in wanting to be there either.
A potential Calvin Ridley trade will be one of the biggest storylines this offseason. Every team in the league needs a guy like Ridley and it seems like only a matter of time before that domino falls.
