Corey Davis unexpectedly paused his NFL career this past season while with the New York Jets. However, it’s reported that the talented wide receiver is moving towards a comeback to the NFL. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Davis has expressed a desire to return to the gridiron after leaving the New York Jets during last year’s training camp.
Veteran WR Corey Davis, who stepped away from football in August, has applied for reinstatement to the NFL.
The Jets are expected to release Davis from the Reserve/Retired list today, although a return to New York on a new contract is in play. pic.twitter.com/iiEx1abvlw
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 14, 2024
This news brings a twist to the remaining NFL free agency landscape, especially for the New York Jets, who are anticipated to release him from their reserve/retired list. Despite this, there’s a chance Davis could return to the team under a new contract, and the Jets were willing to grant this release in hopes that he might find his way back to the team.
The Road for Corey Davis to the New York Jets
Selected fifth overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2017 NFL Draft, Davis moved to the New York Jets in 2021, signing a pretty significant contract for 3 years and $37.5 million. However, he never quite lived up to the lofty expectations that he brought with him.
Corey Davis Steps Away
Davis’s decision to step away from football was shrouded in mystery. He participated in the preseason but had received a 10-day personal leave from the team, during which he took to Instagram to announce that he’d be stepping away without actually mentioning retirement.
This move was surprising, especially given his non-guaranteed salary of $10.5 million for the season, which he walked away from. Speculation among teammates suggested that the arrival of new receivers and a request for a pay cut may have influenced his decision.
Corey Davis’ Career
His early career with the Titans showcased his potential. He tallied 207 catches for 2,851 yards and 11 touchdowns, demonstrating his capability as a high-caliber NFL receiver. However, this all changed when he went to the Jets.
His time with the New York Jets saw him make 66 receptions for 1,028 yards and score six touchdowns across 22 games. Despite these contributions, Davis’s career in New York was marked by inconsistency and injuries.
Under coach Robert Saleh, the New York Jets have maintained that the door remains open for players like Davis who wish to return to football. This policy of openness and flexibility could play a significant role in Davis’s decision-making process as he contemplates his NFL future. The team’s current receiver lineup, including Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard, who is said to be on the trade block, could use a bit of help.
Davis’s potential return to the NFL is a personal journey of resilience and determination and a strategic consideration for the Jets and other teams in the league. With the NFL evolving and the demand for experienced receivers growing, Davis’s availability could spark interest from multiple franchises looking to bolster their offensive options.
Moreover, the Jets’ active participation in the free agent market and their efforts to build a competitive team for the upcoming season underscores the importance of veteran presence. With his experience and proven track record, Davis could offer valuable depth and versatility to the Jets or any other team willing to provide him with the opportunity to resume his career.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Davis as he navigates the complexities of NFL free agency, team dynamics, and personal aspirations, aiming to add more chapters to his intriguing NFL story.