Buffalo Bills Eye Corey Davis: Exploring Potential Addition to Wide Receiver Unit
The Buffalo Bills are actively exploring the possibility of bringing retired wide receiver Corey Davis out of his brief hiatus from football to strengthen their wide receiver corps. Davis, who last played for the New York Jets, announced his retirement in August 2023, a move that surprised many in the NFL world.
"Stepping away from the game is the best path for me at this time," Davis had said at the time of his retirement. However, with the Bills showing significant interest, it remains to be seen if Davis would be swayed back into the fray.
Corey Davis, now 29, was originally selected by the Tennessee Titans with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. During his collegiate career at Western Michigan, Davis had a phenomenal performance, catching 332 passes for 5,285 yards and 52 touchdowns. This impressive tally still stands as the most receiving yards recorded by any player in FBS history.
The NFL Journey of Corey Davis
Davis' transition to the NFL saw him spend four seasons with the Tennessee Titans, during which he caught 207 passes for 2,851 yards and 11 touchdowns. His stand-out season came in 2020, where he recorded 65 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns, a performance that undoubtedly contributed to his subsequent signing with the New York Jets.
In 2021, Davis inked a three-year, $37.5 million deal with the Jets. Over two seasons in New York, he played in 22 games, tallying 66 receptions for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns. Despite flashes of brilliance, injuries and other factors led to an inconsistent tenure with the Jets, and in March, the Jets released Davis from the reserve/retired list.
Buffalo Bills' Wide Receiver Rebuild
The Buffalo Bills, on the other hand, have had to deal with significant departures in their wide receiver lineup. Their top two receivers from the 2023 season, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, have both left the team, compelling the Bills to rebuild their receiving unit. In response, the team has added Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mack Hollins, and rookie Keon Coleman to their roster.
While these additions bring diversity and talent to the team, the Bills are undoubtedly exploring every possible avenue to bolster their receiving options. The potential inclusion of Corey Davis, with his blend of experience and playmaking ability, could be a strategic move to fill the gaps left by Diggs and Davis.
Davis' experience, in particular, could prove invaluable. His deep understanding of the game, combined with his proven track record of performance, positions him as a fit for a team looking to compete at the highest levels. For the Bills, adding another seasoned receiver could provide the stability and leadership needed amid the current rebuild.
Corey Davis: What's Next?
As of now, it remains uncertain whether Corey Davis will reverse his decision to retire. The allure of rejoining an NFL contender like the Buffalo Bills could certainly be enticing. However, considering Davis’ statement when he initially stepped away from the game, his return is far from guaranteed.
For the Bills, securing his services would undoubtedly be a coup, but they must also be prepared to move forward with their current pool of receivers. With the start of the next NFL season approaching, the window for making such roster changes is narrowing.
As the situation develops, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Buffalo Bills can convince Corey Davis to make a comeback, potentially adding another chapter to his career and bolstering their hopes for the upcoming season.