Tee Higgins might have represented the best-case scenario, but Calvin Ridley has felt like the most realistic free-agent option for the New England Patriots.
The Bengals on Monday placed their franchise tag on Higgins, and it’s believed the Indianapolis Colts will do the same with star receiver Michael Pittman. With those wideouts off the board, veteran Mike Evans and Ridley will become the most sought-after in free agency.
There’s an argument to be made that Ridley, who doesn’t have the same resume as Evans, might even make more sense for the Patriots.
The 29-year-old Ridley, who’s played 66 career games across five seasons, has less tread on the tires than the 30-year-old Evans, who’s played 163 career games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.