New York Jets wide receiver Corey Davis has announced that he is “stepping away” from football. The 28-year-old player, who was excused from team activities for the last 10 days, made the announcement on his Instagram account. Although he did not use the word “retirement” or provide a reason for his decision, the Jets have placed him on the reserve/retired list, meaning they retain his rights for this season.
Davis, a high-priced free agent addition in 2021, was due to make $10.5 million in the final year of his contract. With the offseason additions of Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman, and Randall Cobb, Davis’ role in the offense was uncertain. He had skipped the voluntary portion of the offseason program and played only 17 snaps in the second preseason game before being excused by the team for personal reasons.
In his statement on Instagram, Davis said that he had been contemplating stepping away from football for some time. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had in the sport but emphasized that spending more time with his family was his priority. Davis has a wife and two healthy children whom he looks forward to being with.
The Jets’ head coach, Robert Saleh, was aware of Davis’ decision and expressed support for him and his family. Saleh described Davis as an “unbelievable man” and player and said that the organization would always welcome him back if he decided to return to football.
General manager Joe Douglas praised Davis as a true professional on and off the field and commended him for being a great example to the team’s young players. However, Davis did not live up to his contract with the Jets due to injuries. In his two seasons with the team, he missed a total of 12 games and recorded only 66 receptions for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns.
The Jets’ wide receiver depth could be tested with Davis’ departure. Lazard, the only experienced receiver over 6 feet tall, left practice for an undisclosed reason shortly before Davis’ announcement. The team also traded Denzel Mims and lost Davis, leaving Lazard as the only tall receiver on the roster. Malik Taylor, another tall receiver, is currently sidelined by an injury. The top four roster spots are set, but there is a drop-off in talent after them.
Alex Erickson, a seven-year veteran with experience as a punt and kickoff returner, could be next in line for a starting role. Undrafted rookies Jason Brownlee and Xavier Gipson have also impressed at times during practice.
In conclusion, Corey Davis has made the decision to step away from football, leaving the New York Jets with a void in their wide receiver depth. While his departure may pose challenges for the team, they have expressed support for his decision and remain open to his return in the future. Davis cited spending more time with his family as the primary reason for his decision, and the Jets will retain his rights for this season.