The Buffalo Bills are currently exploring the possibility of adding former New York Jets wide receiver Corey Davis to their lineup. This comes on the heels of a significant shake-up within the Bills' receiving corps following the departures of their two leading receivers from the 2023 season, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis.
An Experienced Addition
Corey Davis, who is 29 years old, announced his retirement in August 2023, marking the end of a notable career in the NFL. Despite this, the Buffalo Bills see potential in Davis to bring veteran experience and depth to their squad.
Initially drafted by the Tennessee Titans as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Corey Davis quickly made his mark. During his collegiate career at Western Michigan, Davis caught 332 passes for an impressive 5,285 yards and 52 touchdowns, setting an FBS record for the most receiving yards recorded by any player.
Professional Contributions
Corey Davis' professional career also includes remarkable accomplishments. In four seasons with the Tennessee Titans, he caught 207 passes for 2,851 yards and 11 touchdowns. One of his standout seasons was in 2020, when he recorded 65 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns.
Following his tenure with the Titans, Davis signed a three-year, $37.5 million deal with the New York Jets in 2021. During his time with the Jets, Davis played in 22 games over two seasons, tallying 66 receptions for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns.
Stepping Away and Possible Return
In March, the New York Jets released Davis from the reserve/retired list. Reflecting on his decision to retire, Davis was candid: "Stepping away from the game is the best path for me at this time."
Despite his earlier decision to step away, the Buffalo Bills' interest speaks volumes about Davis' enduring appeal as a seasoned wide receiver who could contribute crucial plays to their offense. The Bills have been actively reconfiguring their wide receiver unit, adding talents like Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mack Hollins, and rookie Keon Coleman. Davis' potential inclusion would bolster this mix with his NFL and collegiate experience.
The narrative around the Bills this offseason has been one of restructuring and reloading after losing key players. Bringing in Corey Davis could provide the kind of stability and leadership they need as they aim to remain competitive.
It remains to be seen if Corey Davis will indeed come out of retirement to join the Bills. However, his track record suggests he could still have plenty to offer. As the Bills continue their preparations for the upcoming season, the potential addition of Davis is certainly a storyline worth watching.