Calvin Ridley joins Da’Ron Payne and Minkah Fitzpatrick in getting a fifth-year option picked up on his contract.
The former University of Alabama wide receiver has become a superstar with the Atlanta Falcons.
He was selected in the first round (No. 26 overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft and recorded his first 1,000-yard season in 2020. In 44 career games, Ridley has collected 217 receptions for 3,061 yards and 26 touchdowns. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder was Matt Ryan’s favorite target last year, as Ridley led the Falcons in receptions (90), receiving yards (1,374), and scores (nine).
He turned in eight 100-yard performances and made second-team All-Pro. According to Michael Rothstein, who covers the Falcons for ESPN, the team announced Ridley’s fifth-year option being picked up. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler followed up the news by stating Ridley will make $11.16 million in 2020.
Falcons officially announce Calvin Ridley’s option being picked up.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) May 3, 2021
This puts Ridley at a $11.116M salary in 2022. His option was a formality. Big-time player. RT @mikerothstein: Falcons officially announce Calvin Ridley’s option being picked up.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 3, 2021
Let’s work, @CalvinRidley1 😤
📺: https://t.co/8tGnbNnWW3 pic.twitter.com/fZRt7QrmDo
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 3, 2021
Before turning pro, Ridley was an elite receiver for the Crimson Tide. A native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., he arrived in the Crimson Tide’s 2015 signing class as a five-star. Ridley won Freshman All-American honors after having 89 catches for 1,045 yards and seven touchdowns in 2015. He helped Alabama secure a Southeastern Conference title and a national championship.
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Ridley assisted the Tide to another national title in 2017 and ended his tenure with 224 catches for 2,781 yards and 19 scores.
He is third all-time in school history for receptions, fourth for receiving yards, and fifth for touchdowns.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
