Atlanta Falcons Finally Sign Rookie Receiver Calvin Ridley
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Falcons have finally signed receiver Calvin Ridley. Ridley will complete a very talented trio of receivers lining up for the Falcons.
The Atlanta Falcons have finally agreed to terms with receiver Calvin Ridley. Ridley and the Falcons have been bartering over Ridley’s contract for some time now the fact the two sides have finally agreed is great for Ridley who can now focus completely on football.
Something fellow Alabama alum Julio Jones could take note of. While Ridley has been working hard this off-season Jones has been working out with T.O. and skipping team events.
Adding Ridley was a steal for the Falcons in the draft one that will help their offense greatly. Jones will still be the dominant receiver assuming he ends his holdout, but Ridley has a great chance to become the second target on the Falcons.
Ridley has a great ability to run routes and find ways to get open. My only concerns about Ridley come from his size and ability to take NFL level hits.
Watching him take hits in the SEC he seemed to struggle to shake them off at times. The Falcons will need Ridley to stay healthy and help take pressure off of Julio Jones.
Ridley has a great understanding of the route tree and how to get open. Combine his smarts with his speed and the Falcons could have a dynamic weapon.
The full terms of Ridley’s contract are yet to be released. His cap hit should be very small, however, considering it will be his rookie deal. Ridley was the 26th overall pick in the NFL draft. A steal for the Falcons and a perfect fit for the rookie.
The Atlanta Falcons will be opening their season against the defending Eagles two months from now. Plenty of time for Ridley to become familiar with the offense and become the Falcon’s second weapon in 2018.