The Tennessee Titans have a young and talented offensive group, but Calvin Ridley’s future with the team is uncertain. He carries the biggest contract on the roster, and as the team looks for a new head coach and tries to build the best team around quarterback Cam Ward, it’s unclear how Ridley fits in.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell named Ridley as a potential cut candidate, but he says the situation is more complicated. Ridley’s $21.8 million salary for 2026 is mostly not guaranteed—only $3 million is locked in. The executives who signed that deal are no longer with the team, which gives Tennessee leverage if they want him to take a pay cut. Ridley likely wouldn’t earn that full amount in free agency anyway, so staying with the Titans at a lower rate could be his best option.
Injuries have also affected Ridley. He suffered a fractured fibula during the 2025 season. Despite that, he averaged about two yards per route run, showing he can still contribute when healthy.
The Titans also have promising young wide receivers like Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike. The team may not want to slow their development by keeping Ridley in a key role. However, if he can be kept at a more reasonable cost, he could still help Ward grow as a quarterback.
Barnwell notes that Ridley has a $1 million bonus due in mid-March, which will likely push the Titans to decide on his future quickly. He expects the team to try to negotiate a friendlier contract for 2026 rather than cutting him outright.