The Buffalo Bills are exploring options to bolster their wide receiver corps, and among the names being considered is Corey Davis. The standout receiver, who announced his retirement in August 2023, might make a surprising return to the NFL if discussions with the Bills move forward.
Corey Davis is no stranger to making headlines. At 29 years old, he retired after a notable career that began when the Tennessee Titans selected him with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. During his collegiate career at Western Michigan, Davis caught 332 passes for an astounding 5,285 yards and 52 touchdowns, setting the record for the most receiving yards ever recorded by a player in FBS history.
His professional career started strong. In four seasons with the Titans, Davis caught 207 passes for 2,851 yards and 11 touchdowns. His standout season came in 2020 when he recorded 65 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns.
In March 2021, Davis signed a lucrative three-year, $37.5 million deal with the New York Jets. However, his tenure in New York was marred by inconsistency and injuries. Over two seasons, Davis played in 22 games, tallying 66 receptions for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns. Despite these challenges, he remained a respected figure for his professionalism and work ethic.
After his release from the reserve/retired list by the Jets in March, it seemed Davis' NFL journey had come to an end. He expressed his sentiments in a heartfelt message, stating, "Stepping away from the game is the best path for me at this time."
However, the landscape of the NFL is ever-changing. The Buffalo Bills, who lost their two leading receivers from the 2023 season, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, are considering adding Davis to their restructured wide receiver unit. The Bills have already made significant moves by adding Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mack Hollins, and rookie Keon Coleman. Yet, the potential addition of Davis could provide the experience and reliability needed to strengthen their offense.
The Bills' interest in Davis highlights their commitment to building a competitive team for the upcoming season. While the retirement announcement from Davis seemed definitive, the allure of contributing to a playoff-caliber team might be enough to bring him back to the field.
As the Bills continue their evaluation, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if Corey Davis decides to lace up his cleats once more. If he does, his return could be one of the season's most compelling storylines.