The New York Jets have done a lot of work revamping their wide receiver position this offseason. Part of that was done in preparation for new quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was acquired in a trade from the Green Bay Packers days before the 2023 NFL Draft.
The first free agent that the Jets signed was wide receiver Allen Lazard, who spent the first five seasons of his career catching passes from Rodgers on the Packers. Another Rodgers favorite, Randall Cobb, was signed after the draft concluded.
Continuing the remodel of the wide receiver position, New York also signed Mecole Hardman away from the Kansas City Chiefs. With so many new faces on the roster, some moves had to be made.
Braxton Berrios was the first change, as he was released and signed with the Miami Dolphins. 2021 second-round pick, Elijah Moore, was traded to the Cleveland Browns. There were a lot of people that thought Garrett Wilson would be the only holdover from last season’s wide receiver group as Corey Davis’ future remained up in the air as well.
Coming into the offseason, Davis was mentioned often as a cap casualty for the Jets. They needed as much cap space as possible to absorb Rodgers’ contract and to make other moves in the offseason.
But, he survived the early portion of the offseason and remained on the roster through the draft. Now, Davis will be with the Jets for good. According to Dave Kleiman on Twitter, Davis will not be going anywhere as head coach Robert Saleh said he would be remaining a Jet.
It is a little bit surprising that Davis is staying on the team because he doesn’t offer any help in other areas. Some of the other wide receivers can chip in on special teams whether it is on coverage teams or as return men.
Finding a role for Davis in this year’s offense isn’t easy. Wilson is a star in the making and you don’t pay Lazard that kind of money to be a role player. Hardman offers something the other receivers don’t and don’t forget that Denzel Mims is still on the roster.
It would not be surprising if another move is made down the road, as Mims received some trade interest ahead of the deadline and earlier this offseason. At this point in time, Davis could be hoping he is released so he can land with a team that has a more open path to playing time.
