NFL officially reinstates Jaguars receiver, Calvin Ridley

After being away from the game for over a year through suspension, the NFL officially reinstated Calvin Ridley on Monday.

The league suspended the former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver in March 2022 for violating the NFL’s gambling rules.

An investigation last year found that Ridley bet on NFL games over five days in November 2021 while he was away from the Falcons.

In a series of tweets after being suspended, Ridley admitted that his bets totalled $1,500 but he also added that he didn't have a gambling problem.

While under suspension, Ridley was traded from Atlanta to the Jacksonville Jaguars last November in exchange for a conditional sixth-round selection in this year's draft and a fourth-rounder in 2024, however now that Ridley's been reinstated, that 2023 selection becomes a fifth-round choice.

Should Ridley sign a long-term deal in Jacksonville, Atlanta’s 2024 pick could become a third or second-round selection.

Following Monday’s news, Ridley released a statement: "Today's reinstatement by the NFL brings an end to a challenging chapter of my professional career, one that was self-inflicted and began with an isolated lapse in judgment," Ridley said in a statement. "I have always owned my mistakes, and this is no different. I have great respect for the game and am excited about the opportunity to restart my career in Jacksonville. I look forward to showing my new coaches, teammates, and the entire Jaguars organization exactly who I am and what I represent as a player and person."

The Jaguars also put out a statement when the announcement came out: "Calvin is a proven playmaker, and we are excited to see him compete among and with his new teammates, first during our Offseason Program in April and ultimately into the 2023 season, as we collectively pursue a championship for Jacksonville."

Ridley is guaranteed to earn $11.16 million next season in Jacksonville as part of the fifth-year option on the rookie deal that he signed in Atlanta when he was drafted by the Falcons 26th overall in 2018.

The 28-year-old, born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, made 248 catches for 3,342 yards and 28 touchdowns with the Falcons, including 90 grabs for 1,374 yards and nine scores in 2020.

If he can return to that form in Duval County next season, the Jags could have one of the best offensive units on paper after outstanding campaigns from newcomers Evan Engram, who was franchise tagged by the Jags on Monday, and Zay Jones, and Christian Kirk, all of whom completed their first season in Jacksonville in 2022.

Doug Pederson's group finished 10th in the NFL regarding scoring (23.8 points per game), passing (232.9 yards per game) and total offence (357.4 yards per game) in 2022.