The New England Patriots may have wanted to target Mike Evans in free agency this month, but the superstar wide receiver is now off the market after re-signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

So, with Evans signed and Tee Higgins likely remaining with the Cincinnati Bengals, who could the Patriots pursue in order to shore up their receiving corps this offseason?

Taylor Kyles of CLNS thinks Jacksonville Jaguars wide out Calvin Ridley is their best option.

Ridley is coming off of a terrific 2023 campaign in which he played every game and caught 76 passes for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns.

He may very well be the best available receiver on the open market in a couple of weeks, and with New England having a dire need at the position, it would not be the least bit surprising if it chases him.

Ridley, who played his collegiate football at the University of Alabama, was originally selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 26th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.

He enjoyed an impressive rookie campaign, registering 64 catches for 821 yards and 10 touchdowns. He then posted similar numbers in his sophomore year, snaring 63 balls for 866 yards and seven scores.

Then, in 2020, Ridley broke out, hauling in 90 receptions for 1,374 yards while reaching the end zone nine times.

It looked like the 29-year-old was about to ascend into the upper echelon of NFL receivers, but the following season, he stepped away from football after four games due to personal issues. He was then suspended by the NFL for gambling that ensuing offseason.

The Falcons traded Ridley to the Jaguars in November 2022, and in February 2023, he was reinstated from his suspension.

We’ll see if the Patriots do try and snatch up Ridley once free agency begins.

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