The New York Jets potential starter Garrett Wilson’s phenomenal performance last year and the signings of Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman, and Randall Cobb this season have already resulted in a diminishing role of veteran Corey Davis in the team’s depth chart.
Meanwhile, Corey’s $10.5 million due in base salary this year with no guaranteed money opened the option for Gang Green to either trade or release him ahead of the 53-man roster cuts. Amid those speculations, the wide receiver decided to opt out of the trouble of trying to convince the Jets team to keep him in the squad or finding a new NFL team ahead of the regular season.
Is Corey Davis retired?
According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport’s Wednesday report, Davis earlier informed the New York-based team about his decision to step out from the football field. The 28-year-old later made a lengthy Instagram post to make the announcement public.
“For some time now I’ve been contemplating stepping away from the sport of football. This decision has not been easy… I feel that stepping away from the game is the best path for me at this time. I have more blessings than I could have ever imagined — I have an amazing family, a beautiful wife, and two healthy children that I look forward to spending more time with.”
Veteran WR Corey Davis announced he is retiring from the NFL: pic.twitter.com/TObeNMTSVN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 23, 2023
The Western Michigan product’s initial two years in the Big Apple were not really notable as he managed to play only a few games due to being plagued by constant injuries, albeit he didn’t forget to thank the franchise in the post.
“I am truly grateful for all the opportunities I have had and will continue to have on my journey. Thank you to my family and friends and the Jets organization for supporting me through this process.”
The WR did not stay with the Jets during most of summer due to personal reasons and the team’s head coach Robert Saleh said earlier that he couldn’t commit to the footballer playing in Week 1. Now, his sudden retirement announcement probably puts this matter to rest.
Nevertheless, Gang Green’s GM Joe Douglas cited the veteran as “a true professional on and off the field” and said he served as a great example for the team’s young players on how to showcase a complete and consistent day of work. The franchise’s owner Woody Johnson thanked Corey for his incredible dedication to the Big Apple these past two seasons while HC Saleh said they support every decision the WR takes.
Looking back at Corey Davis’ NFL career
Davis started his NFL career after getting selected with the fifth overall pick by the Tennessee Titans in the 2017 NFL Draft and played four years with the franchise. In 2020, he played a key role in the Titan’s AFC South title after recording 65 passes for 984 yards along with five touchdowns, marking the best season of his whole career.
After ending his journey with the Titans in 2020, the 28-year-old signed a three-year, $37.5 million contract with Saleh’s team. However, he appeared in only 22 of 34 potential games in New York and recorded 536 receiving yards along with two touchdowns for them last season. In his entire NFL career, the 6’3” and 209-pounder caught 273 passes for 3,879 yards along with 17 touchdowns.
Do you think Davis made the right call? Let’s discuss below!
