How Calvin Ridley Signing With Titans Impacts Bears

One of the most unforeseen free agency moves occurred on Wednesday afternoon when the Tennessee Titans signed wide receiver Calvin Ridley to a four-year contract worth $92 million. Ridley was expected to either re-sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars or join the New England Patriots, who aggressively pursued him. Ridley’s decision to instead join the Titans could have a positive impact on the Chicago Bears’ 2024 NFL Draft plans.

Calvin Ridley is signing with the Tennessee Titans: 4 years, 92M, $50M fully guaranteed

Deal Negotiated by David Mulugheta and Reza Hesam. pic.twitter.com/vhn7URnCKR

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2024

The Titans own the No. 7 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, two ahead of Chicago’s second first-round choice (No. 9). Prior to signing Ridley, the Titans were expected to decide between an offensive tackle and wide receiver. With Ridley now joining a pass-catching corps that already features DeAndre Hopkins, the Titans are expected to target an offensive tackle like Joe Alt or Olu Fashanu.

The Bears may be eyeing a receiver themselves with the ninth selection. The Titans are no longer expected to consider drafting Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers at No. 7. With the Bears preparing to potentially select quarterback Caleb Williams with the top pick, adding a playmaking weapon like Odunze or Nabers with the ninth selection would represent a worthwhile strategy.

The Titans will no longer be a roadblock to that scenario becoming reality. The fewer teams within the top 10 that could negatively impact the Bears’ draft-day plans, the better. Ridley to Tennessee increases Chicago’s chances of drafting Nabers or Odunze and pairing him with D.J. Moore, Cole Kmet, and Gerald Everett in a potentially explosive passing attack.