Addressing the Fallout on Jets' Roster from Corey Davis's Decision
Corey Davis's surprise retirement created more salary cap space for the New York Jets, but weakened the team's depth at receiver.
With Garrett Wilson cemented atop the depth chart, there are four players who are probable roster locks at this point. Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman and Randall Cobb are destined to join Wilson as part of Gang Green's Week 1 receiving corps. Outside of that quartet, the battled-tested options are non-existent.
The Davis news certainly helps the chances that undrafted rookie free agents Jason Brownlee and/or Xavier Gipson land on the team's 53-man roster.
"They know the opportunity that's at hand," said head coach Robert Saleh prior to Thursday's practice in Florham Park. "Corey leaving opened up a door for somebody else and they're fully aware of what that looks like and what that means. It's just a matter of observing and seeing who takes advantage."
With the likelihood that Gang Green will keep six receivers active, Brownlee and Gipson were amongst those jockeying for the WR6 spot. Now, there could be room for both of them.
Malik Taylor, who was performing well prior to being injured, is also in the mix but has been out of practice since August 17. Davis's departure may also have breathed new life in Irvin Charles's campaign to stick. The Division II product spent much of 2022 on the Jets' Practice Squad.
"It opens up competition for everyone," said Saleh. "Irv [Charles] was here a year ago and Malik Taylor. X [Xavier Gipson] is doing a nice job, Brownlee — they're all competing. It's great competition going on and we'll see how it shakes out."
Brownlee led the team in receptions (4) and receiving yards (50) during Preseason Game No. 3 against the Buccaneers. He has eight catches for 77 yards through three games this summer.
Gipson made his first reception of the preseason last time out while also contributing in the return game.
Taylor, who was on the receiving end of Zach Wilson's 57-yard bomb in the Hall of Fame Game, has made two catches in two appearances.
Fewer than 20 days away from the Monday Night Football season opener, there don't appear to be any appealing free agents waiting for a call. Potential options like Odell Beckham Jr. and Deandre Hopkins are long gone, having landed with the AFC rival Ravens and Titans, respectively.
The appropriate strategy is likely waiting until roster cutdown day and scouring the waiver wire for a proven insurance at receiver.
Although he had been bumped down the depth chart by Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman, Davis was in line to see significant snaps in 2023. Even amidst rumors that Davis was a possible cut candidate early in the offseason, Saleh gave a public vote of confidence in the veteran receiver on multiple occasions.
Although his lack of consistency seemingly mirrored the team's inconsistent quarterback production, Davis flashed his big-catch ability and graded out highly as a run blocker. In 22 games over a two-year sample, the former No. 5 overall draft pick caught 66 of 123 targets for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns.
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