The Buffalo Bills are reportedly considering bringing former New York Jets wide receiver Corey Davis out of retirement to strengthen their wide receiver corps. Davis, a standout player during his collegiate years at Western Michigan and a seasoned NFL professional, walked away from the game in August 2023. However, the Bills, dealing with significant changes to their receiving unit, might offer Davis a route back to the field.
The Rise of Corey Davis
Corey Davis, 29, has had a commendable career in professional football. Drafted by the Tennessee Titans with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Davis quickly showcased his talent. Over four seasons with the Titans, Davis registered 207 receptions for 2,851 yards and 11 touchdowns. Worth noting is his exceptional performance in the 2020 season, where he caught 65 passes for 984 yards and reached the end zone five times.
Davis' journey to the NFL began at Western Michigan, where he etched his name into the record books. Accumulating 332 receptions for 5,285 yards and 52 touchdowns during his collegiate career, Davis set the record for the most receiving yards in FBS history, a testament to his skill and determination.
Stint with the New York Jets
In 2021, Davis took another significant step in his career by signing a three-year, $37.5 million contract with the New York Jets. During his tenure with the Jets, he played in 22 games over two seasons, amassing 66 receptions for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns. Despite these solid numbers, Davis opted to retire from the game in August 2023, potentially due to the physical and mental demands of professional football. Upon his retirement, Davis stated, "Stepping away from the game is the best path for me at this time."
His retirement saw the Jets placing him on the reserve/retired list, from which they released him in March.
The Buffalo Bills' Wide Receiver Revamp
The Buffalo Bills are renowned for their dynamic offense, but the team faced a setback following the loss of their two leading receivers from the 2023 season, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. This off-season, the Bills have been actively restructuring their wide receiver unit, notably adding Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mack Hollins, and rookie Keon Coleman. Despite these additions, the potential involvement of a seasoned receiver like Corey Davis could offer both depth and experience to the lineup.
Davis' experience and track record could provide a stabilizing presence for the Bills' receiving unit. His previous performances, particularly his record-setting college career and his productive years with the Titans and the Jets, suggest he could still make substantial contributions on the field.
Potential Impact on the Bills
While there are no guarantees Davis will come out of retirement, his return would certainly bolster the Bills' offense. As they continue to fine-tune their squad in preparation for the coming season, the inclusion of a player with Davis’ pedigree could enhance their chances of making a deep playoff run. His ability to perform under pressure, demonstrated by his high reception yardage in both college and professional play, could be invaluable for the Bills as they look to bounce back from their recent losses.
The Bills’ interest in Davis highlights their commitment to building a robust and versatile offensive line-up. As the off-season progresses, it will be intriguing to see how this potential signing develops and what impact it could have on the upcoming NFL season.