In a move that may bolster their receiving corps, the Buffalo Bills are exploring the possibility of adding former New York Jets wide receiver Corey Davis to their roster. Davis, who retired in August of 2023 at the age of 29, could bring a wealth of experience and talent to the Bills' lineup.
A Storied Career
Corey Davis' football journey began on a high note when he was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. During his collegiate career at Western Michigan, Davis recorded impressive stats. He caught 332 passes for an extraordinary 5,285 yards and 52 touchdowns, with his 5,285 receiving yards marking the highest total in FBS history.
Davis continued to demonstrate his abilities in the NFL with the Titans, where he played for four seasons. Over this period, he amassed 207 receptions for 2,851 yards and 11 touchdowns. His standout year came in 2020 when he recorded 65 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns.
Transition to the Jets
In 2021, Davis signed a significant three-year, $37.5 million deal with the New York Jets. However, his tenure with the team was somewhat inconsistent. Over two seasons, he played 22 games, tallying 66 receptions for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns. Despite these contributions, Davis decided to step away from the game, citing personal reasons. "Stepping away from the game is the best path for me at this time," he said upon his retirement.
In March, the Jets officially released Davis from the reserve/retired list, making it possible for him to consider a return to the NFL if he so desires.
The Buffalo Bills' Roster Challenge
The potential addition of Davis comes at a pivotal moment for the Buffalo Bills, who have lost their two leading receivers from the 2023 season, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. To fortify their roster, the Bills have already added Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mack Hollins, and rookie Keon Coleman to their wide receiver unit.
Nonetheless, the pursuit of Corey Davis seems to be a strategic move to bring in a seasoned player who can provide both leadership and performance. Given his track record, Davis could significantly aid the Bills' passing game and offer a reliable target for quarterback Josh Allen.
Weighing the Decision
As the Bills contemplate this addition, both the team and fans will be weighing the potential benefits and risks. On one hand, Davis' experience and historical performance metrics suggest that he could be a valuable asset. On the other hand, his recent retirement raises questions about his readiness to return to the rigorous demands of the NFL.
While it remains to be seen if Davis will don a Bills jersey, his potential return is certainly an intriguing development for both Buffalo and the broader NFL community. If he does decide to come back, it could mark a significant chapter in his career and provide the Bills with the boost they desire.
The final decision rests on Davis and the Bills' assessment of his fit within their evolving roster. For now, all eyes are on what could be a pivotal acquisition for one of the league's most ambitious teams.