wide receiver won't be playing in the for at least a year, and maybe even longer, after the league for betting on . But for a brief time earlier this offseason, Ridley was not only set to suit up in 2022, but for a different team. The nearly finalized an agreement to trade for the wideout before Atlanta learned of Ridley's impending suspension, according to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer.Joining NBC Sports Tennessee Titans Jersey Philadelphia's John Clark on the , Glazer reported Thursday that the Falcons "backed out at the last second," causing confusion and frustration in trade talks with the Eagles. Atlanta wasn't yet allowed to disclose the details of the NFL's investigation into Ridley's gambling, which occurred over a five-day stretch in 2021, so it abruptly ended negotiations with Philadelphia. "Philly (later) respected them for how they handled" the Jeffery Simmons Jersey situation, Glazer .Even before Ridley's suspension, the receiver's future in Atlanta was unclear. Despite a breakout 2020 campaign, in which he topped 1,300 receiving yards as one of top targets, the Alabama product suddenly stepped away from the team -- and the NFL -- in October 2021, citing mental health reasons. He never returned, with NFL Media reporting later in the season that he might be available via trade in the offseason. Now, barring a Rashaan Evans Jersey succe sful appeal of his ban, Ridley will be ineligible to apply for reinstatement until at least February 2023, thanks to placing illegal bets on several games, including those involving his own team. The Eagles, meanwhile, figure to be aggre sive in pursuit of receiver help as the offseason unfolds. Former first-round pick is entrenched as the team's No. 1 pa s catcher, but Ridley would've represented a big-name addition, and may very well have overtaken Smith on the depth chart had he been acquired. Philadelphia has three first-round picks in April's draft, as well as roughly $17 million in 2022 salary cap space. Pick Six Newsletter Crafted By The Best NFL Experts Ryan Tannehill Jersey Get the day's big stories + fun stuff you love like mock drafts, picks and power rankings. I agree to receive the "Pick Six Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports Taywan Taylor Jersey and the Paramount family of companies. By pre sing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the and acknowledge Paramount's . Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox. Sorry! There was an error proce sing your subscription.