Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley may well have played his last snap for Atlanta.
This according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, who reported on Saturday that a Ridley trade in the offseason is looking like a "very strong possibility."
Ridley, 27, stepped away from the team in late October, citing mental health issues. He never returned, finishing the year with 31 catches and 281 yards in five games.
Ridley's absence has prompted speculation that his time with the Falcons could be coming to a close.
According to Garafolo, the Falcons are hoping things work out, but apparently there hasn't been much communication between Ridley and the team since his departure.
"I do believe that a fresh start could be in the cards and maybe the best thing for Ridley. … My educated prediction is that Calvin Ridley is elsewhere for the 2022 regular season.”
After two strong years to begin in his career, Ridley seemed to reach superstardom in 2020, when he reeled in 90 passes for 9 touchdowns and nearly 1,400 yards. For his career, he has averaged an impressive 13.5 yards per reception.
Despite the struggles that derailed Ridley's 2021, there would likely be a strong trade market for a player with a similar pedigree and resume.
The Falcons overachieved in their first year under the leadership of a new general manager, Terry Fontenot, and head coach, Arthur Smith. They finished 7-10 and were competitive in most of their games.
While franchise legend Matt Ryan remained under center in 2021, the Falcons unloaded his former favorite target, wide receiver Julio Jones, prior to the season in a bold move that heralded a clear change in direction.
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