6 of the most desirable offensive free agents for the Patriots to sign in 2024

Calvin Ridley

During the 2022 offseason, rumors swirled that the Falcons were open to trading receiver Calvin Ridley before the regular season began. Once team owner Arthur Blank confirmed the speculation was true, the Patriots began to be touted as one of the most likely teams to be interested in getting a deal done.

It wasn't surprising, given the state of the New England receiving corps for the season, and making the trade happen would've made a lot of sense at the time. But when it was announced the receiver was being suspended for the entire upcoming season, all bets were off, and the Patriots backed off any potential interest they had previously shown.

Fast forward to November of last year, and the Jaguars shocked the NFL world when they traded for Ridley despite his suspension. Although he wouldn't help the offense right away, his potential resonated with Jacksonville, and putting him in the lineup for Trevor Lawrence to work with was too tempting for them to pass up.

But as of right now, it's just a one-year rental.

Ridley is set to become a free agent in 2024 and, at just 28 years old, has a lot left to accomplish on the football field. He proved he could be the explosive option for an offense when Julio Jones dealt with several injuries during the 2020 season, totaling 90 receptions for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns, all of which (minus one score) were career highs.

Perhaps it's premature to call him one of the most desirable players to be signed by New England because he will have to prove himself as a competent and productive receiver throughout the upcoming season. But under the assumption he can do just that, exploring his fit for the Patriots shouldn't be off-limits.