Jets Receiver Update: Allen Lazard Trade; Corey Davis Reinstated?

Whether it's the current trade market or the reinstatement of a retired player, the New York Jets wide receiving core will look very different in 2024.

The New York Jets wide receiver room will look vastly different during the 2024 season from the one they were trusting to win last year. 

As first reported by ESPN, former Jets wide receiver Corey Davis has applied for reinstatement from the league after retiring last August to spend more time with his family. Gang Green, according to ESPN, is expected to release Davis from the reserved/retired list which will allow the 29-year-old to pick his team once coming back to the league. 

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Before removing himself from the team's 2024 roster in late August, the former fifth-overall pick out of Western Michigan caught 273 passes in his six-year career (two with the Jets) for nearly 4,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was expected to provide New York's offense with a proven vertical threat downfield when he signed a three-year, $37.5 million deal in 2021. 

Despite the positive outlook of his signing, Davis never recorded a season of over 600 yards receiving for New York. 

Should the Jets, after letting Davis walk, bring the veteran back for the 2024 season, some feel he could create a logjam at his position. His skillset matches those of last year's free agent signing Allen Lazard, even though this future in Florham Park could be clouded as well. 

When Lazard signed a four-year, $44 million deal with New York last season to join Aaron Rodgers, the belief was that he could compete with Davis as an outside receiver. Once the latter retired, though, Lazard was looked to have a big year as a dependable pass catcher - especially after Rodgers tore his Achilles four plays into Week 1. 

Lazard's play only got worse as the season wore on, not better as the team desperately turned to undrafted free agents like Jason Brownlee and Xavier Gipson to pick up the slack. The former Packer wideout was benched later in the season to try and reset himself as a player. In 12 starts, the former Iowa State product recorded just 23 catches for under 400 yards, and a single touchdown reception. 

Now, a report from the Athletic has come forth saying the Jets may not give Lazard another shot with the organization. 

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Zack Rosenblatt and Dianna Russini combined to report that Gang Green was shopping their high-priced wideout to the highest bidder. Should the Jets find a trade partner for Lazard, it would save them $3.4 million in salary cap space, or as much as $10 million if it's a post-June 1st trade. 

Lazard's potential departure and the return of Davis will only complicate the organization's plans during the 2024 offseason, but it is clear evidence that New York is looking to start over on their receiving core outside of Garrett Wilson.