3 reasons Raiders should be exploring a trade for WR Calvin Ridley

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Calvin Ridley #18 of the Atlanta Falcons runs after a catch in front of Jeff Heath #38 of the Las Vegas Raiders during their NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Calvin Ridley #18 of the Atlanta Falcons runs after a catch in front of Jeff Heath #38 of the Las Vegas Raiders during their NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 29: Calvin Ridley #18 of the Atlanta Falcons runs after a catch in front of Jeff Heath #38 of the Las Vegas Raiders during their NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 29, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 29: Calvin Ridley #18 of the Atlanta Falcons runs after a catch in front of Jeff Heath #38 of the Las Vegas Raiders during their NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 29, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

3 reasons Raiders should be exploring a trade for WR Calvin Ridley

Both Calvin Ridley and the Falcons might need a clean break

Earlier this year, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler predicted that Ridley would be playing elsewhere in 2022. He stated that “Ridley missed 12 games after stepping away from football to work on his mental health. But assuming he’s back in an NFL lineup in 2022 and is in a good space, several teams view him as a top-10 receiver. His market would be robust.

There’s no villain in Ridley’s predicament. The star receiver chose to take care of his mental health, and no one will fault him for that. Unfortunately, the Falcons, like any NFL team, are a business. If they can get Ridley’s salary off the books and get draft capital in return, that’s simply an organization doing what’s best for them. A clean break for all involved.

Joining a Raiders offense that’s going to be spearheaded by new head coach Josh McDaniels would surely get his career back on track.

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