New York Jets wide receiver Corey Davis has announced that he will be stepping away from the NFL. The 28-year-old has informed the team that he will be taking time away from football and won't be with them to begin the season. Davis, who has been away from the Jets on what head coach Robert Saleh termed earlier Wednesday as a personal leave, has been struggling with the decision for some time. In an Instagram post, Davis stated that stepping away from the game is the best path for him at this time, and he plans to spend more time with his family.
The Western Michigan product was drafted fifth overall by the Tennessee Titans in 2017 and struggled with injuries early in his career. Davis bounced back to put up solid numbers in the Titans' run-first offense, but he never dominated. Over four years with Tennessee, Davis generated 2,851 yards and 11 touchdowns on 207 catches. Davis had his best season in 2020, earning career-highs with 984 yards and five scores.
The Jets signed Davis to a three-year, $37.5 million contract in 2021, hoping to build on his best season and play the No. 1 role in a young wideout corps. It never worked out that way, as Davis missed eight games in 2021 due to injury and another five in 2022. In two seasons with Gang Green, Davis has combined for 1,028 yards and six scores on 66 catches.
Despite the rumors of trade and cut, Saleh glowed about Davis this offseason, noting back in May that Davis would "be on the team" and adding that the 6-foot-3 wideout's big body brought a different element to the offense.
Davis' decision to step away from the game comes as a surprise to many, and it remains to be seen what the future holds for the talented wide receiver. However, for now, he will focus on spending more time with his family and taking the time he needs away from the game.