Steve Smith Sr. sparks debate over the star wideout’s skillset as Ridley faces a high-stakes season following injury struggles and mounting pressure to justify his massive contract.
Calvin Ridley has been with the Tennessee Titans since 2024.
The 2026 season is going to be his third year with the Titans. He initially joined the franchise in free agency during the 2024 offseason, when former General Manager Ran Carthon signed him to a four-year, $92 million contract, per Spotrac.
He got off to a really good start in 2024, finishing with over 1,000 receiving yards despite having inconsistent quarterback play. His quarterbacks that year were Will Levis and Mason Rudolph.
Still, Ridley was able to put up 1,017 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Then, he couldn't replicate those numbers in 2025.
Ridley had issues with drops throughout the season and was really disappointing. He then broke his leg in Week 11 and was out for the rest of the year.
Then, this offseason, Ridley received a critique from legendary former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. Smith played in the NFL from 2001-2016 and was a five-time Pro Bowler. He had 14,731 career receiving yards.
Smith went on his podcast, "89 with Steve Smith and James Palmer," and called the Titans receiver a speed merchant, even though his cohost disagreed and said that Ridley was a route technician.
"My point is he's a speed merchant, but not a route technician." Smith said.
Ridley was asked about the criticism from Smith in the locker room on Thursday. He wasn't upset by Smith's criticism. He had plenty of respect for Smith.
"My route running," Ridley said. "I take a lot of pride in that. That's okay, man, he's a legend, so I guess he can do that."
This is going to be a crucial year for Ridley with the Titans in 2026. After underperforming and missing the second half of last season, he needs to prove he's worth the money.
He's already on thin ice with the Titans. The franchise restructured his contract and is losing patience after speculation that Ridley would be cut by the Titans.
Tennessee already moved on from two other Carthon signings in the offseason, cutting ties with center Lloyd Cushenberry and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed.
Luckily, the Titans have upgraded the receiver room, so maybe there won't be as much pressure on Ridley to perform this season.
Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor are both back, and the team added Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency and Carnell Tate in the 2026 NFL Draft.
On top of that, Ridley is now reunited with his former offensive coordinator from his days at Alabama, Brian Daboll.
Ridley was at Alabama from 2015-17 and had Daboll as his OC for the last year of his college career.
This year will decide whether Ridley will be on the Titans next season.
Whether he's a speed merchant or a route technician, he can't afford anything like the 2025 campaign again.
