Calvin Ridley has shown consistent reliability in fantasy football throughout his NFL career, finishing among the top 30 wide receivers in every season where he played more than five games. Even after a season-long suspension in 2022 for gambling, he bounced back strongly by surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past two years. His debut season with the Tennessee Titans saw him finish as the 27th-ranked wide receiver overall despite scoring only five touchdowns.
The 2025 season promises new possibilities for Ridley as the Titans selected rookie quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. This development has gained greater momentum due to a recent update concerning Will Levis’ injury, an event that could significantly affect Ridley’s fantasy value.
Impact of Will Levis’ Injury and Cam Ward’s Role
Will Levis, who suffered a shoulder injury last season, initially opted against immediate surgery and pursued offseason rehabilitation. Unfortunately, that approach did not fully resolve the injury, and he now faces season-ending surgery. This situation points toward Cam Ward starting as the Titans’ quarterback at the beginning of the 2025 season, a factor that could reshape the team’s offensive dynamics.
Ward’s playing style suggests potential benefits for Ridley, especially considering Ward’s final college season at Miami Hurricanes, where he excelled at pushing the ball deep downfield. Ward’s impressive college stats—4,313 passing yards and 39 touchdowns—highlight his ability to stretch defenses, which aligns well with Ridley’s strengths as a threat in vertical routes.
Reasons for Optimism Regarding Ridley’s Fantasy Outlook
Despite dealing with less-than-ideal quarterback play last season, Ridley averaged a solid 16 yards per reception. While Ward is still a rookie and presents some uncertainty, his high ceiling means Ridley could be the biggest beneficiary if Ward adapts quickly to the NFL. This makes Ridley an exciting prospect for fantasy players seeking upside in the wide receiver position this year, as their styles appear complementary and promising.
Where to Pick Calvin Ridley in 2025 Fantasy Football Drafts
Currently ranked 65th overall and WR30 in fantasy football drafts for 2025 by Fantasy Pros, Ridley is typically viewed as a WR3 option with the potential to perform like a WR2 or better. His value heavily depends on how well rookie Cam Ward performs during his first NFL season, so there is inherent risk in his selection.
In a standard 12-team league, targeting Ridley in the fifth or sixth round is a reasonable approach. His draft position lies between players like George Pickens and Jaylen Waddle, both established WR2 receivers for their teams. Ridley, however, is anticipated to function as the Titans’ WR1, which offers him a higher ceiling. When factoring in Ward’s arrival, Ridley becomes a compelling mid-round gamble with significant upside for the 2025 fantasy season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much is Will Levis salary?
A. From 2023 to 2026, Will Levis will play as a rookie for the Tennessee Titans. He signed a contract for four years, worth $9,542,165. This deal includes a signing bonus of $3,939,756 and guarantees him $8,730,961. His average yearly pay is $2,385,541.
Q. How much is Will Levis paid?
A. Will Levis has a four-year deal with the Tennessee Titans worth $9,542,165. The contract includes a signing bonus of $3,939,756. He is guaranteed to receive $8,730,961 in total. His average salary each year is $2,385,541.