2024 NFL Annual Meeting: After reaching a deal to acquire one of the greatest wide receivers in history, Doug Pederson has high hopes for the new addition.

2024 NFL annual meeting: Doug Pederson has high expectations for a new addition

ORLANDO — Calvin Ridley’s acquisition in 2022 didn’t come without a risk. As Ridley established himself as the Jaguars’ No. 1 receiver, the fact that the team would have to sacrifice their second-rounder in exchange for a contract extension loomed. There was a loophole, however. If the Jaguars waited until the start of the league year to make their move, they would give Atlanta their third-round selection instead.

In the meantime, Jacksonville brought in receivers Gabe Davis and Devin Duvernay. All the while, Ridley was waiting his turn. As time went on, noteworthy free agents were taken off the market, and Ridley became more and more desirable. The New England Patriots joined the conversation, and all signs pointed to a behind-the-scenes bidding war.

Days into negotiations, the Tennessee Titans entered the conversation and gave the receiver an offer he couldn’t refuse. Just like that, the Jaguars were down a receiver, and the expectations for Davis increased substantially.

At the NFL annual meeting, Jaguars’ head coach Doug Pederson revealed that he expects big things from Davis. “I think he’s going to be a key piece in what we’re doing. We can put him in positions to block. We can put him in positions to run. He’s a good route runner, he’s strong, he’s big,” Pederson detailed.

Though Davis will undeniably bolster the Jaguars’ offense, he wasn’t brought in to be Ridley’s replacement. The two do share some similarities, though. Pederson explained that while Davis might not have Ridley’s speed, they both serve as a threat deep downfield.

Davis comes off a four-year stint with the Buffalo Bills, serving as Josh Allen’s second favorite receiver behind Stefon Diggs. Over four seasons, the former University of Central Florida standout recorded 163 receptions for 2,730 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns. Career-highs came during the 2022 season, as Davis accumulated 836 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 48 receptions.