Getty New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh reacting in the middle of a press conference.
Corey Davis was noticeably absent from the majority of New York Jets OTAs this offseason.
Rich Cimini of ESPN noted that he opted to remain home for family reasons. However, he also believes that his contract situation “could be a factor as well.”
Robert Saleh Addresses Corey Davis’ Absence at Jets Practice
“I believe they’re having another child, so I don’t think you guys will see him here,” head coach Robert Saleh explained Davis’ absence on May 31.
#Jets HC Robert Saleh explained WR Corey Davis’ recent absence from OTAs, ‘I believe they’re having another child’ + called him the ‘epitome of teammate’ + ‘he doesn’t worry about targets, catches, & yards’ + said he’ll leave contract stuff for Joe Douglas 🎥 @nyjets #TakeFlight
Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic wasn’t concerned when asked about Davis’ absence on “The Can’t-Wait Podcast.” He pointed to Davis’ attendance earlier in the offseason at some of the other Jets programs.
The former Western Michigan product is entering the final year of his $37.5 million contract in 2023.
Davis is owed a $10.5 million salary but the original structure of the deal allowed an opt-out for the Jets in 2023.
Saleh seemingly confirmed that they’ve had “talks with Corey” regarding his contract situation. Gang Green wants Davis back, but not at his current price tag.
Rich Cimini of ESPN predicted that a pay cut is “coming for sure” at some point on “The Jake Asman Show.”
Rich Cimini of ESPN said a pay cut is looming for #Jets WR Corey Davis, ‘that’s coming for sure’ 👀 he’s owed $10.5 million in base salary in 2023 + a restructure would guarantee his roster spot for this season 🎥 @JakeAsmanShow #TakeFlight @JakeAsman
Jets Could Get Into Some Trouble With the Corey Davis Situation
On one side of the conversation, the Jets want Davis to take a pay cut.
However, out of the other side of their mouths, the Jets are singing the sweet praises of Davis.
“Corey is the epitome of a teammate,” Saleh said to the media on May 31. “He doesn’t worry about targets, catches, and yards. Of course, he wants those things but he’s willing to do anything and everything to help the team. He is definitely an asset to this football team.”
Saleh could be attempting to convince Davis to take a pay cut through the media by saying he is willing to do anything for the team.
However, it could also make the pay cut conversation even more difficult.
Over a decade ago former Jets head coach Rex Ryan called Darrelle Revis the best cornerback in the NFL to the media. When it came to the negotiating table, Revis and his representation pointed to that when he was asking for a raise and it came back to bite the Jets.
This offseason Gang Green defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich called Quinnen Williams, “the best d-tackle in football as of today.” The former Alabama product will likely be bringing that quote up during extension talks this offseason.
#Jets DC Jeff Ulbrich called Quinnen Williams (@QuinnenWilliams), ‘the best d-tackle in football as of today’ 😤 ‘explosive nasty power’ + ‘game-wrecker’ 🎥 @nyjets Flight 23 Ascension #TakeFlight
In reverse fashion, Davis could say why should I take a pay cut if you think I’m such a big part of the team?
Gang Green has a wide array of weapons in the receiver room heading into 2023, but the more the merrier is the message with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback.
The Jets are trying to ensure depth at the position just in case the injury bug comes biting next season.
At this stage of the offseason, the Jets can probably offer more money to Davis than any other team. So it behooves him to figure it out and set himself up for a potential big payday when he’s an unrestricted free agent in 2024.