Report: Pats chasing Ridley, who prefers to stay with Jags

The New England Patriots are pursuing wide receiver Calvin Ridley, but it's believed that he prefers to return to the Jacksonville Jaguars, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Ridley put up 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns on 76 receptions in 2023 during his first season with the Jaguars. The yardage and touchdown marks both led Jacksonville's pass-catchers.

The Alabama product would immediately step in as the Patriots' top receiver if he signed with the club. Demario Douglas led New England with 561 yards on 49 receptions last season.

If Ridley re-signs with Jacksonville before Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, the Jaguars will send a second-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons to complete the trade that brought the wideout to Florida. That pick will be a third-rounder if the 29-year-old signs after that time.

Ridley missed the 2022 campaign due to a gambling suspension. The receiver has totaled 324 receptions for 4,358 yards and 36 scores in 66 career games with the Falcons and Jaguars.