Jets WR Corey Davis 'happy to be here' after offseason of uncertainty

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — When the Jets signed Corey Davis two years ago, there was no question he was brought in to be their No. 1 receiver.

This offseason, he questioned whether he would remain a Jet.

The Jets signed Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman Jr. to join burgeoning star Garrett Wilson. As Davis entered the final year of his contract, his future became murky, and even he wondered if he would be on a new team this season.

“There was a point where there was uncertainty with all of the moves going on,” Davis said after practice Sunday. “It was hard not to think that. I trusted God and knew whatever happened, it was going to happen, and control what I can control, and just tried to take it one day at a time. It was kind of a long offseason, but I’m happy to be here.”

Davis said he stayed in contact with the Jets and his agent and that coach Robert Saleh kept telling him he was a part of their plans.

Davis, who signed a three-year, $37.5 million deal in 2021, could have his contract restructured. He’s currently on the books for $11.1 million this year — the third-highest on the team.

“Saleh was telling me not to worry and everything was going to work out for the better,” Davis said. “I’m happy to be here, happy they kept me.”

Even while Davis was away from OTAs awaiting the birth of his child, Saleh said on more than one occasion that the receiver would be back. He called Davis “an asset” to the Jets.

“Corey is the epitome of a teammate, and he doesn’t worry about targets and catches and yards,” Saleh said. “Obviously, he wants those things, but he’s willing to do anything and everything to help the team.”

The Jets signed Davis to be the leader of a young receiving group, which at the time included Denzel Mims and Elijah Moore, and an anchor for then-rookie quarterback Zach Wilson.

Injuries, however, limited Davis to nine games that season and 13 last year. He has caught 66 passes for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns as a Jet.

Davis’ role may be a little different this season, but he’s still going to be a weapon for Aaron Rodgers. It speaks to how deep and talented the Jets are if Davis can be their No. 3 receiver.

He said his dip on the depth chart hasn’t given him any extra motivation.

“That fire is never going anywhere. Whether I’m the 1, 2, 3, it doesn’t matter,” Davis said. “We got a lot of talent in that room, a lot of dudes who bring different stuff to the table, a lot of diversity. I’m trying to play my role the best I can, be the best I can out there and lead these young boys the best I could.”

Saleh likes using Davis in red-zone situations because he’s big and strong and can block. He also can make tough catches in traffic.

Late in Saturday’s practice, Davis had cornerback D.J. Reed all over him on a two-point conversion try. Rodgers threw a sidearm pass in a spot in which only the receiver could catch it. Davis snared it and everyone on the offense celebrated. Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett ran into the end zone and jumped on Davis.

“His arm talent is definitely next level,” Davis said of Rodgers. “He put it where I could get it. Only me.”

Davis believed throughout last season that the Jets would prove the doubters wrong and make the playoffs. Now, with Rodgers running the offense, the expectations are higher — and more realistic.

“That’s always the goal: Super Bowl. That never changes no matter who’s in here,” Davis said. “We got a great chance now. We got a great defense, we got a great offense, great QB. We got a lot of talent. It’s just a matter of putting it all together now.”

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.