The New York Jets’ wide receiving core took a hit and they didn’t even have an injury.

Corey Davis announced on his Instagram account that he has retired from the NFL. Davis had been away from the team for personal reasons over the last week and Jets head coach Robert Saleh was unclear when he would be back.

For much of the off season the Jets were speculated to be in the market to trade or even release the veteran wideout but ultimately, he remained with the team.

“For some time now I’ve been contemplating stepping away from the sport of football. This decision has not been easy. Although I am a deep person, I’m a man of few words. I’ve been searching my heart for what to do and I feel that stepping away from the game is the best path for me at this time,” Davis’ said in his post. 

The 28-year-old Davis was drafted fifth overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2017 NFL draft and really never reached his full potential as a true number one wide receiver.

The Jets signed Davis to a a three-year, $37.5 million deal back in 2021. Again, while a good player for gang green, never quite hit that elite status that both the Jets and Titans hoped he would be.

“He always has a family here,” head coach Robert Saleh said to Connor Hughes after the news broke. Saleh confirmed the door would be open for Davis to return should he decide to.

For Davis, the timing could not be worse with veteran out of Western Michigan. After suffering through seasons with Ryan Tannehill, Zach Wilson and Marcus Mariota, Davis would finally have a chance to play with an elite level QB in Aaron Rodgers.

As for the Jets, Davis was a solid piece to their offense. One of the best blocking wide receivers in the NFL, Davis will be missed in a locker room filled with young guys and old vets.

The Jets will now likely look to the very baron free agent market to replace Davis. Names like Kenny Golladay, Jarvis Landry and Sammy Watkins are available. None of the names available are very attractive.

The Jets might also see an opportunity to keep both Jason Brownlee and Xavier Gipson, but it might be hard to sell two undrafted rookies to Aaron Rodgers on the final roster.

Per Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, Davis retiring essentially counts against the cap as if he was waived. So the Jets will save about $10.5 million once the retirement becomes official.

Predicting the Jets 53 man roster

The Jets might be sorry to see some of these guys go.

Featured image via Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports