Former top-five pick Corey Davis is the latest name to join the free agent wide receiver market. Originally signing a three-year, $37.5 million deal with the New York Jets in 2021, the Western Michigan product put up two decent seasons with the Gang Green. In 2021 and 2022, the wideout recorded a combined 66 receptions for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns on 123 targets. While these aren’t the most impressive numbers, you must remember that he was catching passes from the wildly underwhelming trio of Zach Wilson, Mike White, and Joe Flacco.
With Aaron Rodgers coming to town in 2023, Corey Davis had a chance for a rebound year right before he became a free agent again. However, the former Titan decided enough was enough and hung up the cleats during the offseason. Fast forward a year and it appears that the receiver just needed some time off, as he applied for reinstatement and will be available to any interested teams. While the Jets still technically had his rights, the team agreed to release him and let him test the market.
BREAKING: WR Corey Davis has applied for reinstatement to the NFL.
The #Jets are expected to release Davis from the Reserve/Retired list today but could return to the team (@FieldYates).
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) March 14, 2024
Corey Davis Applies For Reinstatement, Joins Barren Free Agent Class
It should go without saying that Corey Davis is not going to get another $37 million deal on the free agent market. Chances are, whatever deal he gets will be for close to the league minimum, as he hasn’t played in over a year and wasn’t setting the world on fire the last time he saw the field. With that in mind, there are a few teams that should at least kick the tires on him.
Now entering his age-29 season, Corey Davis is on the older side, but the free agent should have a little something left in his tank. Historically speaking, wide receivers generally start dropping off after their age-30 season, so the former first-round pick might be able to be a secondary option in a passing attack.
While he never came close to justifying his top-five draft capital, there was a time when Corey Davis was a reliable starting wide receiver in this league. Somebody is going to see if that player is still in there somewhere, and these five teams make the most sense.
Best Team Fits
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots need wide receivers in the worst way. If the season started today, the team would go into the season with Kendrick Bourne and Demario Douglas as the only reliable threats in the offense. That’s not good, especially when you know this team is going to use their first-round pick on a quarterback. Corey Davis might not be the dream free agent signing, but he can’t be worse as an X recevier than DeVante Parker was last year.
Los Angeles Chargers
If there’s one team in a worse wide receiver situation than the Patriots, it’s the Los Angeles Chargers. The team has an elite quarterback in Justin Herbert, but nobody would be able to succeed with Quentin Johnston as their top wide receiver. Corey Davis is not as good as Mike Williams, but the free agent can play a similar role and, if nothing else, will at least be a warm body in the receiver room.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers found a receiver who can easily get open in Diontae Johnson. Now, they need a big, physical option who can win in contested situations on the sideline. Checking in at 6′-3″ and 209 pounds, free agent Corey Davis has the size and strength required to play this role. While he won’t be a target machine, he should be able to handle three or four looks per game.
Dallas Cowboys
So much for going all-in. With most of the good wide receivers off the free agent market, the Cowboys might have to look to Corey Davis to start opposite CeeDee Lamb. With Brandin Cooks and Michael Gallup both underwhelming, the Cowboys could decide to use a committee approach to the second wide receiver position.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints can’t afford a top-dollar free agent, so they might as well roll the dice on Corey Davis. Derek Carr is a mediocre quarterback who can win games in the right environment. However, the right environment needs to include reliable receivers. Chris Olave is a great do-everything option and Rashid Shaheed can stretch the field, but they need a perimeter threat to win contested situations. Davis is probably the most cost-effective option left on the market and a necessary addition if they want to win an improved NFC South.
Main Photo: Matt Krohn – USA Today Sports
