Former Jets WR Corey Davis files paperwork to come out of retirement

Retired wide receiver Corey Davis may not be retired much longer. According to Field Yates of ESPN, Davis applied for reinstatement to the NFL on Thursday after stepping away from the game in August.

Veteran WR Corey Davis, who stepped away from football in August, has applied for reinstatement to the NFL.

The Jets are expected to release Davis from the Reserve/Retired list today, although a return to New York on a new contract is in play. pic.twitter.com/iiEx1abvlw

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 14, 2024

The Jets still control his rights because he retired while still under contract, so he is on their reserve/retired list. Yates reports the Jets are expected to release Davis from that list, which would make him a free agent, but they could bring him back.

During the 2021 offseason, Davis signed a three-year contract as a free agent with the Jets. He totaled 66 catches for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns in two seasons. He retired in August to focus on his mental health.

If Davis were to return to the Jets, he could arguably jump right to No. 2 on the depth chart, pushing Allen Lazard even further down the list, potentially to as low as No. 5. Davis would bring back the size and deep-play ability the Jets lacked in 2023, allowing the offense to be explosive with a healthy Aaron Rodgers at quarterback.