Ridley and Ward have spent the past couple months discussing route concepts, coverages, and taking extra reps together during Titans OTAs. “That man a dawg,” Ward said of Ridley. “He can win vs press, man. He knows zone. I think he’s one of the top five receivers in the NFL, if not the best. I’m blessed to play with him. ... He’s gonna’ make me look good every chance I get to throw the ball to him.” Ridley, who had the fifth most deep ball receptions in 2024 and led the league in air yards, struggled mightily to connect with big-armed QB Will Levis and backup Mason Rudolph. The Titans put Ridley’s locker right next to Ward’s locker this offseason in an effort to create chemistry between the rookie quarterback and his No. 1 wideout. Ridley said he’s been impressed by Ward’s arm strength and downfield accuracy. “I’ve seen a great arm, a great mind,” Ridley said. “Someone who believes he can make most of the throws and knows he can make the throws. Nice release. He can fit the ball pretty much wherever he wants. So it’s pretty impressive.” Ridley could be a valuable — if volatile — fantasy option in 2025.

The Titans currently have the following players next to Calvin Ridley on the depth chart: Treylon Burks, Van Jefferson, James Proche II, Bryce Oliver, and Mason Kinsey. It’s a dire situation, and perhaps one that the Titans will address as soon as their top pick in the second round. As of now, Ridley profiles as the unquestioned No. 1 receiver. It’s possible that a rookie — as we blurbed earlier today with Kyle Williams — comes in and immediately takes a huge target share.

He added two rushes for minus-3 yards. Ridley caught a 39-yard sideline bomb from the Tennessee 1 to dig the Titans out of negative field position and meet his contract incentive for 1,000 yards. The highly-paid 30-year-old wideout finished with a 64/1017/4 receiving line, one more yard than he had with the Jaguars in 2023. Ridley will almost certainly be back with the Titans in 2025 as his contract calls for a $28 million cap figure that is onerous to escape. It will be hard to see him as more than a volume WR3 if the Titans retain Brian Callahan this offseason given the state of the current class of college quarterbacks, but perhaps the Titans can find a way to unleash Ridley. Certainly there’s no way anyone would ever have typed “find a way to unleash Ridley” before, that’s absolutely the first time.

Ridley was once again the Titans’ No. 1 receiving option, getting nearly all of Mason Rudolph’s downfield looks. Intermediate perimeter routes and crossing routes made up most of his usage as he led the team in receiving yards on the day. Ridley’ first catch came as the first half came to a close as the Titans’ offense continues to have low scoring opportunities. With his ceiling capped in the Titans offense, Ridley is in the WR3 mix for Week 18 against the Texans.