The Jets’ crowded receivers room was reduced by one when veteran wideout Corey Davis abruptly announced that he is “stepping away” from the NFL.
The 28-year-old Davis, who has been away from the team in recent days for personal reasons, made the surprising announcement Wednesday on his Instagram page.
“For some time now I’ve been contemplating stepping away from the sport of football. This decision has not been easy,” Davis wrote on his IG account, without actually using the word retirement. “Although I am a deep person, I am 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.”
In statements released by the organization, Jets owner Woody Johnson thanked Davis for his “professionalism and dedication these past two seasons,” while GM Joe Douglas cited Davis as “a true professional on and off the field” and “a great example to our young players of how to come to work every day and put in a complete and consistent day of work.”

Davis was slated to earn $10.5 million in the final year of a three-year, $37.5 million contract, but the Jets likely would have asked him to take a pay cut for salary-cap purposes.
That money now comes off their cap for this season, giving them about $19.5 million available to make additional moves.
“I have more blessings than I ever could have imagined,” Davis wrote. “I have an amazing family, a beautiful wife and two healthy children that I look forward to spending more time with. I am truly grateful for all the opportunities I have had and will continue to have on my journey.”
Jets coach Robert Saleh normally only speaks to the media during training camp in the morning before practice, but he came back to the podium after Davis made his announcement.
“My heart goes out to him and his family. We’ll always support him with any decision he makes. We’re always here if he needs us,” Saleh said. “We were aware of it and just tried to support him and his family in any decision that they decided to go with. Selfishly, obviously, we’d love for him to play.
“He’s an unbelievable man, an unbelievable player. But at the same time he’s also an unbelievable father, husband and friend. … So, I’m excited for him, obviously, in this new journey but at the same time, always for him to know, he always has a family here.”
Saleh added that “the door’s always open” if Davis decides to return to football, but added “that’s probably for Corey to answer.”
The Jets have overhauled their receiving corps around second-year star Garrett Wilson, bringing in veteran free agents Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman Jr. and Randall Cobb as weapons for imported quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Davis’ departure could create a roster spot for two out of a group that includes Jason Brownlee, Xavier Gipson, Malik Taylor and Irv Charles.
“It’s an opportunity for somebody else to step up over the next week and a half,” Saleh said. “It opens the door for someone who may have been on the outside looking in, and they’ve got a chance to push the door open.

“Obviously we lose a tremendous leader in Corey and a tremendous example and veteran presence. But at the same time, it does open the door for somebody else.”
Davis caught 66 passes for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns in 22 games during his two seasons with the Jets.
Two of his teammates spoke to the media after the announcement, and they professed their support for his decision.
“It’s kind of sad, but we support him and his family,” linebacker Quincy Williams said. “Good guy. Good locker-room guy, too, on the field and off the field.”
“Life is bigger than football. We play this game. This is something that we do. But this is not who we are,” Cobb added. “I wish him well. I’m going to be in his corner.”