As a team that could surely use some additions to the wide receiver room, the Chicago Bears miss out on the Calvin Ridley sweepstakes, as Ridley signed a four-year deal worth $ 92 million ($ 50 million guaranteed) with the Titans.
But, this move— or lack thereof— could help the Bears in the long run.
The Chicago Bears' chance of drafting a top 3 WR just increased significantly by not signing Calvin Ridley
While I had hopes of the Bears signing Calvin Ridley, a team like the Tennessee Titans signing him instead helps the Bears in a way bigger than some might think.
2024 NFL Draft order
- Bears (via Panthers)
- Commanders
- Patriots
- Cardinals
- Chargers
- Giants
- Titans
- Falcons
- Bears
As the draft order currently stands, the Bears have stiff competition if their 2024 NFL Draft Plan includes drafting one of the top 3 receivers in the draft: Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze. Teams like the Patriots, Cardinals, Giants, Titans, and Falcons all, theoretically, could draft one of the previously stated names.
However, with the Titans signing Calvin Ridley to this contract, maybe the Titans are more worried about drafting offensive linemen than they are receivers with the No. 7 pick. Had they not signed Ridley, the chances that the Titans consider a top receiver with their seventh pick is more likely than it is after signing.
It's not even a for sure deal that the Chicago Bears want to draft a receiver at No. 9, nor is it guaranteed that the Bears even make a pick at No. 9. With as few picks as the Bears currently have, the idea of trading back to garner more picks is surely in the mix of possibilities.
Regardless, this Calvin Ridley signing gives the Chicago Bears a significantly better chance of drafting a top 3 receiver in the draft. Will it happen? That, and much more, will be answered on Draft Day.