Buffalo Bills Eye Corey Davis to Bolster Wide Receiver Corps
The Buffalo Bills are actively exploring the possibility of adding former New York Jets wide receiver Corey Davis to their roster. This potential move comes in the wake of the team losing its two leading receivers from the 2023 season, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Given the significant void left by these departures, the Bills are keenly interested in enhancing their wide receiver unit.
Corey Davis, who is 29 years old, announced his retirement in August 2023. "Stepping away from the game is the best path for me at this time," Davis remarked upon his retirement. Despite this, the Bills see potential in the seasoned wide receiver and are considering bringing him out of retirement to add experience and skill to their receiving corps.
A Stellar Collegiate and NFL Career
Corey Davis boasts an impressive football resume. During his collegiate career at Western Michigan, he caught 332 passes for 5,285 yards and 52 touchdowns. His 5,285 receiving yards remain the most recorded by any player in FBS history. This stellar performance led to him being selected by the Tennessee Titans with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Over his four seasons with the Tennessee Titans, Davis caught 207 passes for 2,851 yards and 11 touchdowns. His standout year came in 2020 when he recorded 65 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns. This performance proved to be a turning point in his career, showcasing his ability to be a reliable option downfield.
Following his tenure with the Titans, Davis signed a three-year, $37.5 million deal with the New York Jets in 2021. Over two seasons with the Jets, he played in 22 games, tallying 66 receptions for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns. Despite these respectable numbers, the Jets released Davis from the reserve/retired list in March, opening the door for a potential return to the field with a new team.
Revamping Buffalo's Wide Receiver Unit
The Buffalo Bills' wide receiver unit has seen significant changes heading into the upcoming season. To address the loss of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, the team has already bolstered its ranks with the additions of Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mack Hollins, and rookie Keon Coleman. However, the potential addition of Corey Davis is seen as a crucial step to bring both experience and depth to the position.
Davis’ combination of size, speed, and reliable hands makes him an attractive option for the Bills. His experience playing at a high level in the NFL would be invaluable to a receiving corps in transition. Moreover, if Davis can recapture the form he showed during his time with the Titans, he could become a significant contributor to Buffalo's offense.
The decision to pursue Davis also underscores the Bills' commitment to surrounding quarterback Josh Allen with a reliable and talented group of receivers. As the team aims to maintain its offensive prowess, every addition to the roster is meticulously considered to ensure it can endure the rigors of the NFL season.
What Lies Ahead
While there are still hurdles to overcome, particularly convincing Davis to come out of retirement, the dialogue between the player and the franchise represents an exciting development for Bills fans. As the new season approaches, the attention now turns to how the wide receiver market evolves and whether Corey Davis will don the Buffalo blue in his return to the NFL.
For now, Bills fans can remain hopeful that this strategic move will add a dynamic element to their passing game, potentially setting the stage for a competitive and thrilling season ahead.