CLEVELAND, OHIO – DECEMBER 10: Calvin Ridley #0 of the Jacksonville Jaguars warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The New England Patriots gave Mac Jones a fresh start by dealing the 2021 first-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Now, the Pats may try to return the favor by pursuing one of the Jags’ top players in 2024 free agency.

According to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Patriots plan “to swing big on” star wide receiver Calvin Ridley when free agency opens. The former 2018 first-round pick remains unsigned with free agency set to open in three days:

“Expect the Patriots to swing big on receiver Calvin Ridley. The Jaguars are very interested in keeping Ridley but haven’t been able to close the deal.”

The Patriots haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since 2019, when Julian Edelman reached the feat. In his first season with the Jaguars, the 29-year-old Ridley racked up 76 receptions for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns. His best season came in 2020, when Ridley caught 90 passes for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns.

Ridley was suspended for the entire 2022 season after violating the NFL’s policies on gambling. The year before, he appeared in five games before stepping away to deal with his mental health.

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