The Buffalo Bills are exploring the possibility of adding a familiar, yet unexpected name to their wide receiver corps. In a surprising turn of events, the team recently worked out Corey Davis, the former New York Jets wideout who retired in August of 2023.
Corey Davis' NFL Journey
Corey Davis, a 29-year-old veteran receiver, has had an intriguing career that began when the Tennessee Titans selected him with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Davis emerged from Western Michigan with an impressive collegiate resume, having caught 332 passes for 5,285 yards and 52 touchdowns in four seasons. His 5,285 receiving yards are still the most recorded by any player in FBS history, a testament to his exceptional talent.
During his four seasons with the Titans, Davis caught 207 passes for 2,851 yards and 11 touchdowns. Notably, in his contract year in 2020, he recorded 65 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a top-tier wideout.
Stint with the New York Jets
In 2021, Davis made a significant move in free agency, signing a three-year, $37.5 million deal with the New York Jets. However, his time with the Jets was marked by inconsistency and challenges. Davis played in just 22 games over two seasons, tallying 66 receptions for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns. Despite flashes of brilliance, injuries and other factors limited his impact on the field. Consequently, the Jets released Davis from the reserve/retired list in March.
Stepping Away from Football
After being released, Corey Davis made the difficult decision to retire from professional football. At the time, he explained his choice with a heartfelt message, saying, "stepping away from the game is the best path for me at this time."
The Buffalo Bills' Potential Gain
On the heels of a challenging offseason, the Buffalo Bills find themselves in desperate need of bolstering their wide receiver unit. The team lost their two leading receivers from the 2023 season, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. To fill this significant void, the Bills brought in players like Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mack Hollins, and rookie Keon Coleman. However, with the season approaching, the team’s front office remains vigilant, potentially seeking more additions.
Given this context, Corey Davis appears to be a viable candidate to strengthen the Bills' receiving corps. While his recent career has had its share of ups and downs, Davis' experience and prior success in the league could make him a valuable asset. His ability to run crisp routes and catch crucial passes could be precisely what the Bills need to stay competitive this season.
A New Chapter?
As the Bills continue to evaluate their roster, Corey Davis' name adds an intriguing element to their wide receiver mix. Should he decide to come out of retirement and the Bills move forward with an offer, it could mark a new chapter in Davis' career—one that provides an opportunity for redemption and a chance to contribute significantly on a contending team.
For the Bills, integrating a seasoned receiver like Davis into their system could offer much-needed depth and reliability. It will be interesting to see if this workout leads to a contract and, ultimately, if Corey Davis takes the field in Buffalo colors this upcoming season.