Titans Have Set Asking Price For Calvin Ridley
While many expected veteran wide receiver Calvin Ridley's absence to be due to injury, it may also be related to the trade deadline. The Tennessee Titans have a few key players out for their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers, and this'll be the third straight game where rookie quarterback Cam Ward is without Ridley.
Ridley, who the Titans signed for $92 million after his stellar season with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023, has not lived up to the hype this season. Many expected him and Ward to form a dynamic duo that was among the most feared in the league, but instead, it's been quite the opposite.
Sure, the Titans don't have that win over the Cardinals if Ridley is on the bench, but one good performance in six games simply isn't going to cut it. That said, teams aren't going to come in and get Ridley for cheap.
Tom Pelissero Reveals Titans Are Asking For A Third Round Pick
With all eyes on the trade deadline, Ridley's Week 9 absence immediately makes him a trade contender. He's among the inactives alongside defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, though Simmons isn't going anywhere. When it comes to linebacker Arden Key and safety Xavier Woods, those two are a different story.
Pelissero sat down with Rich Eisen to discuss all things trade deadline related, and it featured a brief synopsis on the state of the Titans moving on from Ridley.
"Even the players that Tennessee has available. If you're talking about really good players, the prices on a lot of these guys are day two picks."
He continued, "It's a third rounder for a lot of these names you're hearing thrown about. The teams that are looking to make those trades don't really want to part with more than a fourth or a fifth. Do the Titans soften their price on a Calvin Ridley and potentially see him move?"
Knowing Ridley's age (30), contract, injuries, and regression this season, it's going to be incredibly hard for the Titans to find someone who is going to give them a third-rounder. If anything, there's a chance they could settle for a fourth and a fifth.
Tennessee would love to get a pair of Day 2 picks for Ridley, but even that seems a bit steep. Through six games, Ridley leads the Titans with 290 receiving yards. Even though he's missed a pair of games, he's still first on the team in yards which goes to show how few weapons Ward has in this offense.
Jalen Ramsey on Transitioning to Safety: ‘I’m Ready to Step Up and Make an Impact for the Steelers!’
In a bold move aimed at solidifying the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense, Jalen Ramsey has embraced a new role—moving from cornerback to free safety. Despite being one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks, Ramsey’s willingness to adapt to a new position speaks volumes about his leadership and commitment to the team’s success. The Steelers, plagued by injuries in their secondary, needed a player like Ramsey to step up, and that’s exactly what he plans to do.
“Moving to safety isn’t a setback—it’s a new challenge, and I’m all in,” Ramsey said during a recent press conference. “The Steelers need me to step up, and that’s exactly what I’ll do. No matter where I am on the field, I’m going to make an impact and do what it takes to win.”
The transition from cornerback to safety is not a small one. While both positions require a keen understanding of the game, a safety’s role involves a different set of responsibilities, particularly in terms of coverage and communication. As a cornerback, Ramsey was tasked with locking down the opponent’s best receiver, but as a safety, his focus will shift toward coordinating the defense, reading the quarterback, and providing support in both the pass and run game.
While it’s a change in position, Ramsey’s confidence in his ability to adapt has never wavered. Known for his elite playmaking skills and his ability to shut down even the toughest receivers, Ramsey has the physical tools and football IQ to excel in any position. His leadership and experience in high-pressure situations will only benefit the Steelers as they navigate a tough season and look to make a deep playoff push.
Ramsey’s transition also speaks to the Steelers’ commitment to winning. In a season filled with challenges, including injuries to key defensive players, the team needs its stars to step up in new ways. Ramsey’s willingness to shift gears shows his dedication not just to his personal growth, but to the growth and success of the entire defense.
“I’m not worried about what position I play,” Ramsey continued. “At the end of the day, it’s all about making plays and helping this team win. The role may change, but the goal is the same: to be dominant and to lead this defense to where it needs to be.”
With Ramsey’s leadership, the Steelers are poised to get stronger in the backfield. His ability to read the game and lead his teammates will be a crucial factor in improving their secondary, especially against high-powered offenses in the AFC. The team has already shown promise this season, and with Ramsey’s shift to safety, they have a chance to become even more formidable.
The Steelers’ defense has always prided itself on being tough, physical, and unyielding. With Ramsey’s new role, they are adding an extra layer of versatility and leadership to their already potent defensive unit. Whether it’s stopping the run, intercepting passes, or reading plays in the secondary, Ramsey’s presence at safety will make a significant impact.
“We’re not backing down. We’re not making excuses,” Ramsey said. “We’ve got a job to do, and we’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done. I’m here to lead, and I’m here to make a difference.”
As the season progresses, fans can expect Ramsey to continue bringing his A-game. His transition to safety is just the beginning of what promises to be a defining season for both him and the Steelers. With Ramsey anchoring the secondary, Pittsburgh’s defense is poised to become one of the most feared units in the league.
